The Topographic and Photogrammetric Survey as 3D Knowledge Instrument: the Case of Three Historical Buildings in the Ancient Damascus Citadel, Syria

Among the researches finalised to the cultural heritage conservation, the architectural survey represents a fundamental instrument, at least for the architectural monuments. The aim of this work is to present the results of a survey experience, conducted in Damascus, Syria, in late 2007, describing, in particular, the advantages of using both the photogrammetric and topographic methods. The architectural survey of three objects of the ancient Citadel of Damascus – two towers and an ancient vaulted hall - has represented the first step in a more general project, finalized to the diagnosis, and the further consolidation analysis of these three buildings. The project was financed by an International cooperation agreement between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Syrian Ministry of Culture, signed in 2004, for the “Renovation and reorganization of the National Museum of Damascus and rehabilitation of the Citadel of Damascus”. In order to assure optimal results in the data acquisition, the survey operation was conducted using three different methods, strongly connected one to each other. A unique and traditional survey system is not able, in fact, to guarantee satisfactory results to achieve the complete 3D objects insight.