3D Heritage: Preserving Historical and Cultural Heritage Through Reality Capture and Large-Scale 3D Printing

The evolution of techniques for creating digital models of real elements through laser scanning or photogrammetry, known as Reality Capture, has allowed the creation of replicas of historical and cultural heritage with a high degree of realism and precision. Large-scale 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, has enabled these elements to be printed on a real scale, maintaining the same dimensions and appearance as the original objects. Another technique, subtractive manufacturing using a robotic arm, has made it possible to sculpt solid blocks of stone or concrete with high precision. These developments have led to the emergence of initiatives around the world that seek to preserve cultural heritage that could be at risk of disappearing due to armed conflicts or natural disasters. Acciona, a Spanish company, has been a pioneer in creating 3D-printed replicas of heritage such as the “Oso y Madroño” sculpture and the “Dama Oferente del Cerro de los Santos” sculpture. The collaboration between Acciona and the Spanish National Archaeological Museum (MAN) to create 30 digital replicas of the museum’s medieval collection and the large-scale 3D-printed Arch of San Pedro de las Dueñas has represented a milestone in preserving the historical and cultural heritage of humanity.