ABSTRACT
This chapter builds a case for the deployment of the reality capture technologies to support building surveying and maintenance decision making, with a focus on historic masonry. Survey subjectivity has presented itself as an issue of concern, and variability in evaluation is the starting point for cumulative errors that lead to unnecessary, costly and philosophically contentious fabric interventions. The aforementioned issues provides a review of the practice and protocols in masonry survey and maintenance and highlights typical defects and their diagnosis. Condition survey data typically include description of the element or component, location, conditions and associated defects. It is clear that a paradigm shift is occurring with novel 3D reality capture technologies and broader Heritage Building Information Modelling considerations, offering the possibility of better documentation and reporting, evaluation and management of repair projects. Numerous approaches to building surveys and associated protocols have been developed in attempts to enhance accuracy, consistency and objectivity in investigation and reporting.
