From TLS Point Cloud Data to Geometrical Genesis Determination of Ribbed Masonry Vaults

Research reveals that the geometric rules governing ribbed vaults in Late Mediterranean Gothic architecture exhibit remarkable consistency across distant regions and periods. By analyzing two case studies—Iglesia Parroquial del Salvador la Seo in Zaragoza, Spain, and the Church of Santa Lucia in Cagliari, Italy—the study identifies invariant structural principles despite their placement at opposite ends of the 14th to 17th-century Gothic timeline. Employing terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to generate high-precision point cloud data, the team mapped the intrados profiles of ribs and arches, enabling detailed geometric reconstruction. The findings suggest that core design invariants persist even across vast temporal and geographical spans, offering new insights into the evolution of Mudejar architecture in Aragon.

Agustín-Hernández, L., Argiolas, R., Bagnolo, V., & Sancho Mir, M. (2021). FROM TLS POINT CLOUD DATA TO GEOMETRICAL GENESIS DETERMINATION OF RIBBED MASONRY VAULTS. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLVI-M-1-2021, 9–16. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xlvi-m-1-2021-9-2021