Laser Scanning at Midsteeple, Dumfries

The Midsteeple is a distinctive landmark in the pedestrianised centre of Dumfries. Built in the early 18th century 1707, the Midsteeple has been at threat in recent years due to subsidence of the eastern wall, resulting in a marked distortion of the structure that is clearly visible from ground level.

In advance of a programme of conservation works to rectify the structural problem, AOC Archaeology Group was contracted by Dumfries and Galloway Council to undertake a stone-by-stone survey of the building, producing a three-dimensional model and detailed CAD elevations. The survey was carried out using a laser scanner allowing all of the elevations to be recorded in sub-centimetre resolution within two days. The use of the laser scanner also meant that all the survey could be done from street level, whilst still able to reach to the top of the 28 m high structure. By integrating high-quality digital photographs and working within a CAD environment, highly detailed stone-by-stone drawings were produced and supplied to the client in CAD and PDF digital formats, as well as on hard-copy 1:50 and 1:20 drawings on stable drafting film.

AOC Project Manager: Diana Sproat
KTP Associate: Dr Graeme Cavers
Client: Dumfries & Galloway Council