Modeling and representation of built cultural heritage data using semantic web technologies and building information model

The process of diagnosis, intervention, conservation, restoration and maintenance of built cultural heritage requires complete and accurate knowledge about tangible as well as intangible aspects of their past and present. Comprehensive and precise knowledge about built cultural heritage structures, their functionality, location, environment and any sudden disturbance needs to be digitized for long lasting preservation of the resource. Discrepancy or scarcity of information can lead to errors and even irrecoverable damages. Both human and natural disasters are destroying cultural heritage objects, buildings and sites which have great value and significance in human history. This paper is aimed to provide a comprehensive discussion of state of the art knowledge representation and knowledge management solutions, specifically designed for improving built cultural heritage information preservation. This paper suggests that semantic digitization of built cultural heritage data is the best way forward. Traditional standards in built heritage metadata schemas lack the description of key aspects of 3-D modeling while, 3-D modeling standards such as geographical information system (GIS) and building information modeling (BIM) do not provide sufficient representation of historical data related to a built heritage (BH) structure. This paper proposes a model for representing architectural as well as historical data relevant to a BH site, using semantic web technologies and building information modeling standards.