Augmented reality in architectural heritage preservation: a comprehensive digitization approach validated in Salvador’s Pelourinho district – Brazil

Amid urbanization in cities, there is an urgent need for tools to manage and preserve this invaluable architectural heritage. This research presents a methodology for digitizing historic buildings from a heritage tool using augmented reality (AR). The goal is to capture reality, 3D modeling, interface design, and visualization in AR. Focusing on the historic neighborhood of Pelourinho in Salvador, Brazil, the study shows how 3D digitization combined with AR can provide users with an interactive experience with historic structures, eliminating the temporal divide. The study involved acquiring data through aerial and ground photographic surveys, creating geometric models of the buildings, and integrating these models with a digital terrain model. In addition, an augmented reality application was developed to visualize historic buildings, allowing users to access historical information through mobile devices. By integrating digital replicas of historic buildings into a real-time environment, users gain enriched knowledge about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of these structures. While preliminary results highlight the potential of this approach, comprehensive user testing remains an area for future exploration. This article highlights the process of implementing AR in historical and cultural heritage, suggesting its broader implications for education, tourism and heritage management.