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Open research questions in 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage

75 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 539 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • There is a need for cost-effective and flexible solutions for cultural heritage documentation and visualization. There is a lack of region-specific empirical evidence to support the integration of UAV-derived 3D models into GIS-based cultural heritage management and conservation frameworks.

    UAV-Based photogrammetry for cultural heritage mapping and 3D modelling of Kota Lama Duyong, Terengganu · 2026 · DOI

  • To develop more accurate and efficient methods for disaster response and recovery. To improve the robustness of 3D vision systems in real-world applications.

    3DAeroRelief: The first 3D Benchmark UAV Dataset for Post-Disaster Assessment · 2026 · DOI

  • Existing 3D benchmarks focus mainly on urban or indoor scenes. There is a lack of 3D benchmark datasets specifically designed for post-disaster assessment.

    3DAeroRelief: The first 3D Benchmark UAV Dataset for Post-Disaster Assessment · 2026 · DOI

  • The complexity and cost of traditional methods of preservation and documentation. The lack of affordable and efficient workflows for 3D digital documentation. The need for high-end technical skills, manpower, and extensive on-site presence.

    DEVELOPING AFFORDABLE WORKFLOW FOR DIGITAL PRESERVATION OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND 3D GAUSSIAN SPLATTING · 2026 · DOI

  • The field faces challenges associated with climate change, armed conflict, environmental degradation, and urban transformation. There are representational asymmetries in digital heritage initiatives. The field needs to address legal, cultural, and ethical responsibilities in relation to community-based and Indigenous heritage.

    Digital Technologies in Cultural Heritage Conservation (1995-2025): A Cross-Database Bibliometric Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Delivering complex cadastral data over limited web infrastructure. Translating legal boundaries into web-based visualisations. Bridging the gap between statutory cadastral requirements and practical technical implementation.

    Voxel Based Web Visualisation for 3D Cadastre in Resource Constrained Urban Environments · 2026 · DOI

  • Inaccuracy of traditional methods. Time-consuming data collection using traditional methods. The need for a more efficient and accurate method.

    Analisis Perbandingan Volume Stockpile Batubara Menggunakan Data Foto Udara Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Mavic 3 Pro dengan Hasil Truck Count di PT. Mitra Barito · 2026 · DOI

  • Although the proposed PIC and PIC++ demon- strate strong generalization and versatility, certain limitations remain. First, our experiments are con- ducted solely on object-level point clouds, leaving 24 scene-level point cloud applications unexplored. Second, our framework is designed to process only 3D point clouds with XYZ coordinates, overlook- ing other modalities such as color and normal vectors, which restricts its applicability in multi- modal scenarios. Finally, while contextual labels significantly enhance the model’s generalization ability, they introduce randomness (random labels) during training, potentially leading to instability.

    Point-In-Context: Understanding Point Cloud via In-Context Learning · 2026 · DOI

  • Future Work: First, we plan to extend our PIC framework to large-scale scene-level point clouds, aiming to develop a more comprehensive context learning framework for 3D point clouds. Second, we will incorporate additional modalities to enhance contextual learning and generalization, further exploring the application to broader tasks such as 3D detection and captioning.

    Point-In-Context: Understanding Point Cloud via In-Context Learning · 2026 · DOI

  • The study was conducted on a single rocky embankment in France. The sample size is limited. The study does not account for other factors that may affect rockfall detection.

    Rockfall monitoring with three terrestrial and two mobile laser scanners: a comparison of detection levels · 2026 · DOI

  • Further research is needed to improve the detection capabilities of TLS and MLS. The study suggests that other factors, such as surface morphology, should be considered in future research.

    Rockfall monitoring with three terrestrial and two mobile laser scanners: a comparison of detection levels · 2026 · DOI

  • A major concern associated with generative AI is the risk of producing plausible yet historically inaccurate outputs, often referred to as 'hallucinations'. The study relies on existing physical data and manual archival interpretation, lacking the automated predictive capabilities needed when significant portions of a structure are entirely missing.

    Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Digital Reconstruction for Heritage Conservation: A Study of Monument Restoration · 2026 · DOI

  • Further research is needed to explore the application of Artificial Intelligence in the restoration of monuments and artifacts. The development of more advanced generative AI models and techniques is necessary to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the digital reconstruction process.

    Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Digital Reconstruction for Heritage Conservation: A Study of Monument Restoration · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper does not explicitly state its limitations. However, it mentions the challenges of digital preservation in fragile and at-risk contexts, such as limited governance capacity and constrained equipment and knowledge.

    Digital Heritage Preservation for Fragile and At-Risk Sites: Standards, Ethics, and Access · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should focus on developing more effective and sustainable digital heritage preservation practices. It should explore the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in digital preservation. The paper suggests that future research should prioritize international collaboration and knowledge sharing.

    Digital Heritage Preservation for Fragile and At-Risk Sites: Standards, Ethics, and Access · 2026 · DOI

  • The need for optimal flight planning and control point design in photogrammetric surveys. The impact of various flight design scenarios and field data configurations on photogrammetric products' accuracy.

    Evaluation of the Impact of Different Flight Planning Scenarios and Field Data on the Accuracy of Photogrammetric Products · 2026 · DOI

  • The development of sensor technology, autonomous systems, and predictive modeling - The integration of various data sources to create detailed 3D models of geological features - The application of 3D mapping technologies in other fields such as environmental monitoring and urban planning

    Next-Generation 3D Mapping Techniques for Geological Hazard Monitoring · 2026 · DOI

  • The need for advanced monitoring techniques for geological hazards - The limitations of traditional methods such as photogrammetry and TLS

    Next-Generation 3D Mapping Techniques for Geological Hazard Monitoring · 2026 · DOI

  • Integration of CUDA processing for accuracy. Development of an interactive 3DGS web database for Malaysia's Islamic architectural heritage.

    DEVELOPING AFFORDABLE WORKFLOW FOR DIGITAL PRESERVATION OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE THROUGH PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND 3D GAUSSIAN SPLATTING · 2026 · DOI

  • The need for a more accurate and efficient method for coal stockpile volume monitoring. The limitations of traditional methods, such as the truck count method.

    Analisis Perbandingan Volume Stockpile Batubara Menggunakan Data Foto Udara Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Mavic 3 Pro dengan Hasil Truck Count di PT. Mitra Barito · 2026 · DOI

  • Traditional inspection methods have limitations, including high cost and safety risks. There is a need for innovative methods that can detect material deterioration effectively and efficiently.

    Digital Examination of Material Deteriorations through Metaverse Technologies: A Case Study with the Mozilla Hubs Platform · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research can focus on improving the method for buildings with relatively simple structures. Future research can explore the application of the method for other types of 3D models.

    Voxel Depth-Constrained LOD2 Modeling for Urban Buildings · 2026 · DOI

  • Existing single-building reconstruction methods for LOD2 models are unsatisfactory in preserving roof details. Large-scale 3D building reconstruction still requires extensive manual editing.

    Voxel Depth-Constrained LOD2 Modeling for Urban Buildings · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of a comprehensive approach to mine dump slope management. The need for improved assessment precision and proactive slope management.

    A novel 3D geomorphic change detection framework for large-scale active dump slope using multi-temporal imagery · 2026 · DOI

  • The study suggests including development analysis in future research. Regular updates of LIDAR data within the National Spatial Information System in Poland will enable the continuation of this type of analysis in the future.

    The use of LIDAR point clouds for spatial analysis of changes in building development in large housing estates. An example of the Widzew Wschód and Radogoszcz Wschód estates in Łódź · 2026 · DOI

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75 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 539 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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