JAIP (2015) 19-24 © JournalsPub 2015. All Rights Reserved Page 19 International Journal of Architecture and Infrastructure Planning Vol. 1: Issue 1 www.journalspub.com Digital Documentation Techniques as Tools for Conservation of a Buddhist Stupa through Virtual Reconstruction Kailas Rao M. 1 , B S Bhooshan 2 1 Manipal School of Architecture & Planning, Manipal University, Manipal, India. 2 Professor and Research Advisor, Practicing Architect at BSB Architects, Architecture + Habitat Design Studios, Mysore, Bangalore, India. Abstract In recent times, much advancement has taken place in digital reconstruction in architectural conservation and archaeology. The application of these techniques opened up new insights in understanding the intricacies involved in the field of heritage conservation. This paper discusses various challenges posed in the restoration of a rare 3 rd century BC Buddhist “Stupa” at Sannati, Kanaganahalli Village, India unearthed by Archaeological Survey of India. The author has been involved in documentation of the monument and preparation of Heritage Conservation Plan and presents the different techniques of observation, data recording, condition assessment and digital reconstruction of the monument to ascertain the original form of the structure which is at present in a ruined and scattered condition. The paper throws light on the techniques of photogrammetric documentation, long range and short range laser scanning techniques and manual measurement techniques exclusively devised for this kind of situations. Also the paper compares the pros and cons of these techniques and elaborates on their applications in different contexts. Keywords: Buddhist heritage, heritage conservation, digital documentation, virtual reconstruction, photogrammetry. Author for correspondence: E-mail : kailashrao69@gmail.com INTRODUCTION ABOUT SANNATI STUPA Sannati, which is a relatively lesser known small village to even the well-informed common man, is a very important discovery for archaeology, art history and by and large to the Buddhist World from the excavations under taken by Archaeological Survey of India during 1998–2002. There is no exaggeration in describing it as the rarest of rare gems in terms of missing link in completing the understanding of Buddhist heritage of the period (Figure 1 and 2). Fig. 1: Excavation Site of the Great Adholoka Maha Chaitya at Kanaganahalli.