3D Modeling of the Cultural Heritage: Between Opportunity and Necessity

Abstract Romania, due to its historical background, has many vestigial belongings to the cultural heritage, out of which the most noticeable (by number, age, architecture, symbolism and representation) are the wooden churches. Under these circumstances the role of the current study is to emphasize certain practical aspects (focused on the need to assess, preserve, restore and valorize) regarding the use of modern technology based on photogrammetry and 3D scanning. The case study was represented by the “Saint Martyrs Constantin Brȃncoveanu and His Sons” wooden church from Oradea Municipality, Bihor County, Romania; the edifice being included on the list of historical monuments ever since 2010. The final goal being to create 3D models for both the exterior and interior of the monument for research, restoration in case of need, sharing for education, entertainment, tourism purposes etc.