Digital protection and application of Suzhou Garden landscape Taking Liu Yuan as an example

Abstract

This study investigates the digital conservation and application of Suzhou classical gardens, with the Lingering Garden (Liuyuan) as a representative case. Faced with challenges such as material weathering, structural degradation, and the limitations of conventional restoration methods, the research aims to develop an integrated workflow that ensures both technical precision and cultural integrity. The methodology combines multi-platform high-precision surveying—including airborne LiDAR, terrestrial laser scanning, and close-range photogrammetry—with advanced data processing and semantic Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create an information-rich digital twin of the garden. Historical reconstruction is conducted by integrating archival maps, photographs, and literature, enabling the restoration of the garden’s spatial configuration across different historical periods. The resulting dataset is visualized through a virtual reality (VR) environment, providing immersive experiences that allow users to switch between historical states, examine detailed metadata, and simulate conservation interventions. Results indicate that the proposed approach achieves sub-centimeter geometric accuracy, supports semantic enrichment of heritage elements, and enhances public engagement through interactive visualization. This not only improves heritage documentation and monitoring but also strengthens cultural transmission by connecting conservation science with heritage interpretation. The findings contribute to the emerging paradigm of digital heritage preservation by demonstrating a scalable, non-invasive, and culturally responsive workflow applicable to other classical Chinese gardens. Future work should focus on optimizing processing efficiency, integrating AI-based deterioration detection, and expanding public-facing digital experiences to ensure that heritage assets like the Lingering Garden remain both scientifically documented and socially valued for generations to come.