Graphic Studies on the Built Heritage, a Critical Review. Technical Advances VS Traditional Studies

Abstract

Research on the built heritage should periodically review the good practices to be used in surveying theories and practices. Written and graphic precedents provide a valuable knowledge of historical buildings built over centuries. Previous surveys must be checked through an exhaustive fieldwork because of their lack of accuracy and reliability, that results from the fact that ancient methodologies are based on direct measuring. Therefore, old datasets must be compared with later outcomes obtained with modern photogrammetric or scanning techniques. Accordingly, our teaching strategies must promote a critical and responsible use of technologies. Moreover, graphic information sources such as perspectives, photographs, and ancient cartography can be used to supplement the information of the building provided by other methodologies. The Monastery of El Escorial is a paradigmatic case study because of the large amount of written and graphic information that is preserved, that includes the original 16^th century traces and drawings, together with surveys dating back to the 18^th, 19^th, and 20^th centuries.