What if you could document, preserve, and understand historic structures with a level of accuracy and clarity no traditional method could ever achieve? This session invites attendees into the rapidly evolving world of Reality Capture technology—laser scanning, UAV photogrammetry, LiDAR, and advanced digital modeling—and shows how these tools are transforming Historic Preservation practice. Through engaging real‑world examples, participants will see how high‑fidelity digital records support HABS/HAER/HALS documentation, streamline restoration planning, reduce field time, de‑risk projects, and reveal architectural details that are often impossible to measure or visualize by hand. The program will demystify the end‑to‑end workflow—from field capture to deliverables—and provide a clear understanding of when, why, and how to deploy these technologies on preservation projects of any scale.

Attendees will walk away empowered with practical knowledge they can immediately apply, including how to evaluate the right capture method for a project, how to interpret point clouds and 3D datasets, and how Reality Capture enhances collaboration among architects, engineers, owners, and conservators. They will understand the measurable benefits for preservation efforts: improved accuracy, richer historical documentation, safer field practices, and enhanced ability to tell the story of a structure across time. Whether you’re an architect, preservation planner, or consulting professional, this program will equip you with the insights and confidence to integrate cutting‑edge digital tools into your preservation workflow—elevating the quality, efficiency, and impact of your work.