Recording structural deterioration at Midsteeple, Dumfries

AOC Archaeology Group’s historic building recording team are often required to carry out highly accurate and detailed measured survey for developments and conservation work that are extremely time constrained. 3D laser scanner surveys have proved to be a vital way of producing accurate surveys in a fraction of the time of conventional survey methodologies such as photogrammetry, reflectorless EDM work and hand measurement. AOC Archaeology Group successfully used its 3D laser scanner on several buildings projects throughout the UK, one of which was the Midsteeple, Dumfries.

Following the recognition of structural deterioration to the Midsteeple in Dumfries, a comprehensive programme of structural repair is planned to prevent the building, originally built in the early 18th century, suffering from further damage. To ensure funding for any future work, Dumfries and Galloway Council commissioned AOC Archaeology Group to carry out a stone-by-stone survey of the building using a 3D laser scanner, which recorded the building in three-dimensions to give a highly accurate digital representation of the building from which a stone-by-stone survey was easily obtained. The use of the laser scanner also meant that all the survey could be done from street level, whilst still able to reach up to the top of the 28m 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 and Galloway Council