3D recording and modelling of mining heritage: the Monserrat mine, Sierra Minera of Cartagena-La Unión, southeast of Spain

Abstract

Mining heritage is essential to understand the history, landscape and cultural manifestations linked to mining industry. The Mountain Range of Cartagena-La Unión is one of the most relevant old Mediterranean mining areas, with mining sites that were already exploited before the Carthaginian domination. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2009. Our aim is to document and to enhance its premises, which are currently in a bad state of preservation and have been plundered. The methodology that we suggest combines various techniques, such as laser scanning, LIDAR and digital photogrammetry, in order to obtain the best results based on the characteristics of the objects to be inventoried. For this study, we have chosen an area in which a digital model has been created by means of terrestrial laser scanning and airborne LIDAR, then we have textured it with the images taken. With this model, it is possible to measure the deterioration and displacement suffered by its elements, in particular, the chimney and the boiler room.