3D scanning: High Density Laser Scanning Helps Preserve a Historical Florida Landmark

摘要

This summer, land surveyors joined an impressive list of visitors to the historic Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, Florida. The famous West Florida landmark, constructed in 1897, has hosted U.S. presidents, business tycoons, and celebrities throughout its history. The 440,000-square-foot Victorian style hotel, purportedly the world's largest occupied wooden structure, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 2004, the hotel's 110-year existence was threatened with the possibility of demolition. Public opposition to destruction of the local landmark generated much attention, and in 2005 the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed the hotel at number 11 on its list of most endangered historical places. Preservation of historic buildings is gaining in popularity among private citizen groups nationwide and is quickly becoming a priority for municipalities and local government agencies across the country (for an article on preserving religious sites in Hawaii with laser scanning see the November 2007 issue of this magazine). The current owner of the Biltmore Hotel, Legg Mason Real Estate Investors, called upon the professional services of a licensed architect--R.J. Heisenbottle Architects--to provide expertise in historical restoration and renovation with the intent to begin the restoration process to improve the hotel's Victorian theme and return the landmark to its former stately appearance for future guests and visitors to enjoy.