Flattening complex architectural surfaces: Photogrammetric 3d models converted into 2d maps

The paper describes a workflow to flatten 3D photogrammetric models of undevelopable surfaces into unfragmented 2D texture maps. The aim is to create a texture map with reduced fragmentation compared to typical photogrammetric texture files associated with 3D models. Geometric reformatting of the mesh is required to achieve an unfragmented final texture image with enough visual quality to allow for its use in 2D editing software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.). With a lighter model and defragmented texture, graphic documentation of conditions, treatments, or other relevant information can be performed directly. The approach considers both simple and complex architectural surfaces, with particular attention to elements that cannot be developed without introducing distortions. In the case of historic buildings, such surfaces constitute the majority, especially in the case of decorative elements and irregular vaulted systems. The approach extends to full 3D models, particularly those where orthomosaics would result in stretched details. We will discuss two methods: The first is particularly suitable when the photogrammetric project (oriented images) is still available, and the second applies to generic 3D models without the availability of the original images.