Este artículo presenta una revisión crítica del estado de la cuestión sobre la modelización digital del patrimonio cultural, destacando su relevancia para la conservación, gestión y difusión de bienes culturales. Se analizan las principales metodologías geomáticas empleadas, como la fotogrametría, el escaneo láser terrestre, los sistemas de información geográfica (SIG), el HBIM («Historic Building Information Modeling») y los gemelos digitales, subrayando su capacidad para generar representaciones tridimensionales precisas y semánticamente enriquecidas. A partir de este marco, se examina la aplicación metodológica al tramo Moraspamba-Tres Cruces del «Qhapaq Ñan» (sistema vial andino), exponiendo sus desafíos específicos de documentación y conservación. Se plantean además líneas futuras de investigación centradas en la integración de metodologías híbridas, plataformas digitales participativas, modelos HBIM aplicados a la restauración y el uso de inteligencia artificial para anticipar riesgos patrimoniales. La propuesta busca transitar de un enfoque descriptivo a una aproximación práctica e interdisciplinar que aporte soluciones innovadoras para la gestión sostenible del patrimonio cultural.

Abstract

This paper presents a critical review of the state of the art in digital modeling of cultural heritage, highlighting its relevance for the conservation, management, and dissemination of cultural assets. It analyzes key geomatic methodologies such as photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, geographic information systems (GIS), HBIM (Historic Building Information Modeling), and digital twins, emphasizing their ability to generate accurate and semantically enriched three-dimensional representations. Based on this framework, the methodological application to the Moraspamba-Tres Cruces section of the “Qhapaq Ñan” (Andean road system) is examined, addressing its specific documentation and conservation challenges. Future lines of research are also proposed, focusing on the integration of hybrid methodologies, participatory digital platforms, HBIM models applied to restoration, and the use of artificial intelligence to anticipate heritage risks. The proposal seeks to move from a descriptive approach to a practical and interdisciplinary perspective that provides innovative solutions for the sustainable management of cultural heritage.

Modelización digital del patrimonio, HBIM, gemelos digitales, geomática aplicada, interoperatividad de datos, Qhapaq Ñan, Ecuador.

Recibido: 5/7/2025. Aceptado: 8/8/2025. Publicado: 25/8/2025.

Jiménez, M.J.; J.E. Priego; P.A. Carretero; O.O. Espíndola. 2025.
Desafíos y perspectivas en la integración de datos para la modelización del patrimonio cultural: estado de la cuestión y aplicación al Qhapaq Ñan, Ecuador.
Arqueología Iberoamericana 56: 63-74.

PURL: purl.org/aia/5607. ARK: ark:/49934/384.

Este artículo forma parte de los primeros avances de una investigación en el marco del Programa de Doctorado en Ingeniería Geomática y constituye una contribución inicial al estudio del patrimonio cultural mediante tecnologías digitales. Mauro J. Jiménez expresa su sincero agradecimiento al Instituto Nacional de Patrimonio Cultural (INPC) del Ecuador por el valioso respaldo técnico y por facilitar el acceso a información clave que ha sido fundamental para el desarrollo del caso estudiado. Asimismo, extiende un especial reconocimiento a sus tutores académicos por sus orientaciones constantes y aportes críticos que han enriquecido significativamente esta investigación.

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