Djin Blocks are three-dimensional stone-carved funerary structures that resemble towers and are spread throughout the site of Nabataean Petra on white sandstone of Ordovician (belonging to the Paleozoic). Our study is centered in monument no. 9. The four sides are similarly carved, while the roof is flat and hollowed out, probably serving as a grave. A row of inset stones forms a cornice running all around the block from all sides.

Today, corrosion of the clay water management systems surrounding Djin Blocks has contributed to the weathering of the monuments, and erosion from wind, water and salt threatens to destroy these monuments.

Within this project we have established a methodology to accurately derive 3D photo-models of a World Heritage site by means of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), thermography and close range photogrammetry. TLS provides 3D point clouds, as well as rough photo-models, that can substantially be improved draping texture with external imagery, both visible and thermal. External pictures with either off-the-self digital cameras or scientific cameras can be used to enrich 3D models with maximum reliability.