Optimizing Digital Documentation Workflows for the Geometric Analysis of Four Monuments in Bagan Archaeological Site

This paper presents and discusses the digital recording activities carried out on four monuments within the Archaeological Site of Bagan. Particular attention is devoted to the integration of contemporary digital recording techniques with the processing of historical archival material, highlighting the fundamental role of archival analogue photographs in recovering metric information and reconstructing collapsed architectural portions. The work demonstrates how the combined use of photogrammetric and laser scanning data and historical documentation enabled the generation of accurate geometric models of the monuments, including the digital reconstruction of damaged upper sections in two case studies. These reconstructions proved essential for defining reliable undamaged configurations, which constituted a crucial basis for subsequent structural analyses. In parallel with the digital recording activities, an extensive capacity-building program was conducted for the staff of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum in Bagan. The training focused on methods for documenting the state of conservation of cultural heritage assets. Through the integration of advanced digital recording methodologies, archival research, and local training initiatives, the project contributes to the development of sustainable documentation and conservation practices for the cultural heritage of Bagan.