UAV-based photogrammetry for cultural heritage mapping and 3D modelling of Kota Lama Duyong, Terengganu

Lam, Kuok Choy and Ja’afar, Nor Haslina and Abdul Malek, Mohd Iskandar and Harun, Nor Zalina and Abdul Wahab, Alisa and Zakariya, Khalilah and Hanim, Aajirah and Muhammad, Farah Nuralissa (2026) UAV-based photogrammetry for cultural heritage mapping and 3D modelling of Kota Lama Duyong, Terengganu. Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 22 (2). pp. 1-15. ISSN 2180-2491 E-ISSN 2682-7727

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Abstract

Cultural heritage buildings are increasingly exposed to environmental degradation, urban development and inadequate documentation, creating an urgent need for efficient and accurate digital preservation approaches. This study examines the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based photogrammetry for three-dimensional (3D) documentation and visualization of Kota Lama Duyong, a historically significant heritage structure located in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. UAV image acquisition was carried out using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro through automated double grid and circular flight missions to ensure sufficient image overlap and comprehensive façade coverage in a spatially constrained environment. A total of 180 aerial images were processed using Agisoft Metashape Professional, employing Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) techniques to generate sparse and dense point clouds, polygonal mesh models, textured 3D surfaces and orthoimages. The results demonstrate that UAV-based photogrammetry can produce geometrically coherent and visually detailed 3D models suitable for cultural heritage documentation, visualization and digital archiving, even under challenging site conditions. Minor geometric distortions were observed in areas affected by vegetation and infrastructural obstructions; however, the overall model quality remains adequate for heritage recording purposes. This study confirms that UAV photogrammetry represents a cost-effective, flexible and practical solution for heritage digitization and contributes region-specific empirical evidence to support the integration of UAV-derived 3D models into GIS-based cultural heritage management and conservation frameworks.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	GIS, heritage building, Kota Lama Duyong, photogrammetry, UAV mapping
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NA Architecture N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA9000 Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA9000 Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying > NA9053.R4 City planning
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Landscape Architecture
Depositing User:	Dr. Khalilah Zakariya
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2026 10:25
Last Update:	02 Oct 2026 10:25
Queue Number:	2026-09-Q5371
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131641
Indexed In:	WOS Core Collection, ERA, MyCite

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