On January 4, 2026, Professor Fan Hongchao from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) visited HNU-ASU International College, Hainan University. He delivered a lecture titled "Digitalization Techniques and Application Cases in Cultural Heritage," attracting many faculty and students interested in the intersection of cultural heritage and digital technology.

Professor Fan introduced NTNU's history and the landscape of studying in Norway. He then explored the potential of 3D digital modeling in preserving cultural artifacts, using examples like the Forbidden City artifacts, the Mogao Caves, and Michelangelo's David. He explained how high-precision 3D models could be created from just over 80 smartphone photos through algorithmic processing. This method offers a non-contact, low-interference alternative to traditional techniques like LiDAR scanning, making it a more accessible digital preservation tool. As technology advances, traditional preservation methods face significant opportunities for digital transformation. 3D digitalization supports the preservation, documentation, and restoration of cultural heritage and enhances the utilization of cultural resources.

Professor Fan also highlighted differences in technology applications globally, noting that integrating semantic information into 3D modeling is a promising future direction. During the interactive session, participants discussed the potential of photogrammetry in visualizing natural science scenarios.

With extensive experience, Professor Fan specializes in cultural heritage digitalization, 3D modeling, and intelligent management. He earned his Ph.D. from the Technical University of Munich in 2010 and has worked at Heidelberg University and Wuhan University. Since 2018, he has been a professor at NTNU and currently chairs the ISPRS ICWG IV/III.