Integrated Digital Survey and H-BIM for Preservation and Planned Maintenance of Historical Architecture: The Case Study of Santo Stefano Church at Candia Canavese.

The church of Santo Stefano in Candia Canavese is a historical structure that embodies the rich cultural heritage of the town and the surrounding region that host it. Despite its importance, the church lacks current digital documentation necessary for effective long-term conservation. This research addresses this need through a hybrid methodology that integrates traditional tools of architectural survey, like total stations and GPS alongside modern technologies, including terrestrial laser scanning (LiDAR) and drone-based aerial photogrammetry, as to produce a high-resolution point cloud that forms the basis for a precise three-dimensional model. The final 3D model developed within a Heritage Building Information Modeling (H-BIM) framework is then exported to the Main10ace web platform, where a planned maintenance strategy is created, enabling ongoing management and easy access for research and conservation activities. The thesis highlights the benefits of combining traditional survey techniques with innovative digital tools to enhance documentation accuracy, data analysis, and interoperability across platforms. This work provides a practical reference for future applications by establishing a replicable framework for similar historical preservation projects, contributing to the broader effort to protect and maintain cultural heritage sites in an increasingly digital world.