3D Scanning of Chilancho Stupa, Kirtipur Using LiXel Kity K1 for Cultural Heritage Preservation
3D Scanning of Chilancho Stupa, Kirtipur Using LiXel Kity K1 for Cultural Heritage Preservation
The Chilancho Stupa, one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist monuments in Kirtipur, Nepal, stands as a living symbol of Licchhavi and Malla period art and architecture. Over centuries, it has suffered from urban encroachment, weathering, and earthquake damage, prompting the need for precise digital documentation. To safeguard this heritage, a 3D scanning survey was conducted using the LiXel Kity K1 handheld LiDAR scanner, chosen for its portability, centimeter-level accuracy, and ability to capture complex geometries in challenging environments.
The stupa symbolizes the deep-rooted Newar Buddhist heritage of Kirtipur. Architecturally, it follows the classical chaitya form, featuring a white hemispherical dome (anda), harmika, and pinnacle (yasti), surrounded by four smaller chaityas and votive shrines. Inscriptions from the 16th and 17th centuries CE record continuous restorations, confirming its sustained spiritual importance. Today, Chilancho remains a center of pilgrimage and religious activity, especially during Gunla, the sacred Buddhist month.
Using the LiXel Kity K1 LiDAR scanner, a complete digital documentation workflow was executed, from field scanning and real-time data visualization to processing in LiXel CyberColor software. The project achieved centimeter-level precision (~±2 cm) across all surfaces, generating outputs such as:
This project demonstrates how affordable, portable LiDAR systems can transform cultural heritage preservation. The 3D model of the Chilancho Stupa provides a permanent digital record that aids restoration, disaster risk management, and educational initiatives. It also enables virtual access, reducing physical strain on the monument. Despite challenges such as reflective surfaces and environmental interference, careful planning ensured data quality and precision.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scanning Technology | LiXel Kity K1 LiDAR Scanner (Handheld SLAM-based) |
| Scanner Type | Handheld 3D LiDAR with SLAM positioning |
| Weight | 850 g (scanner only) |
| Range | Up to 70 m |
| Accuracy | 1.0 – 1.2 cm (relative) |
| Point Rate | 200,000 points/sec |
| Field of View | 360° × 59° |
| Camera | Dual panoramic RGB cameras (for colorized 3D) |
| IMU | 9-axis IMU for SLAM motion tracking |
| Battery Life | Approx. 1.5 hours per battery |
| Data Output Formats | .PLY, .LCC |
| Software Used (Processing & Visualization) | Lixel CyberColor, LCC Color, Lixel Studio |
| Workstation/Computer Specifications | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super, RAM: 128GB, SSD: 2 TB NVMe, OS: Windows 11 |
| Scanning Procedure Duration | 51.45 minutes (single scan) |
| Point Cloud Number | 35825406 |
| Walking Speed | 0.48 m/s |
| Raw Data Size | 21 GB (point cloud) + 288 photos, 7 GB (images) |
| Area/Structure Covered | Entire Chilancho Stupa: main dome, harmika, pinnacle, 4 corner chaityas, surrounding shrines, and courtyard pavements |
| Post-processing Workflow | Imported into Lixel CyberColor, HD enhancement with photos, Gaussian splatting for 3D model generation, LCC for portable point cloud |
| Final Deliverables | 1:1 scale 3D digital model (.PLY), georeferenced point cloud (.LCC), orthographic projections, virtual tour model |
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