Inheritage Foundation
A comprehensive non-profit platform for India's architectural heritage preservation. Built with Next.js 15, TypeScript, and custom WebGL2 renderers for point cloud visualization. Features 38 API routes, microservices architecture, and government partnerships with Archaeological Survey of India. Currently undergoing architectural refactor to implement proper DAL patterns and server actions.
Technical Architecture
A comprehensive non-profit platform for India's architectural heritage preservation. Built with Next.js 15, TypeScript, and custom WebGL2 renderers for point cloud visualization. Features 38 API routes, microservices architecture, and government partnerships with Archaeological Survey of India. Currently undergoing architectural refactor to implement proper DAL patterns and server actions.
System Architecture
Project Details
The Problem
India's architectural heritage faces threats from urbanization, climate change, and lack of comprehensive digital documentation. Traditional preservation methods are inadequate for the scale of India's heritage sites. Government bodies and researchers need accessible tools that are currently only available through expensive proprietary software, creating barriers to effective heritage management. Additionally, processing massive point cloud datasets (tens to hundreds of GB in LAS/LAZ format) requires sophisticated conversion pipelines, real-time edge processing, and seamless integration with visualization SDKs like Cesium and Potree.
The Solution
Inheritage Foundation democratizes heritage preservation by providing open-source documentation technology with sophisticated point cloud processing capabilities. Our platform features a complete end-to-end pipeline that converts massive LAS/LAZ point cloud datasets (tens to hundreds of GB) into optimized binary formats for real-time edge processing. The system integrates seamlessly with Cesium SDK and Potree SDK for visualization, while performing background mesh optimization and generation of OBJ models with baked-in materials and ambient occlusion. Built with Next.js 15 and TypeScript, featuring 38 API routes, comprehensive architectural refactor plan, and real-time database recording for all processing operations.
My Role & Contributions
As the lead technical architect and full-stack developer, I built the complete end-to-end platform from ground up. My primary focus was developing the sophisticated point cloud processing pipeline that converts tens to hundreds of GB of LAS/LAZ files into optimized binary formats for real-time edge processing. I integrated Cesium SDK and Potree SDK for seamless visualization, implemented background mesh optimization algorithms, and created automated OBJ model generation with baked-in materials and ambient occlusion. I architected the entire system including 38 API routes, microservices infrastructure, real-time database recording, and comprehensive refactor plan for DAL patterns and server actions. The platform handles massive datasets while maintaining responsive UI performance and comprehensive data tracking.
Technical Challenges & Learnings
The primary challenge was processing massive point cloud datasets (tens to hundreds of GB in LAS/LAZ format) and converting them into optimized binary formats for real-time edge processing. This required developing sophisticated conversion pipelines that could handle massive datasets while maintaining performance. Integrating Cesium SDK and Potree SDK for seamless visualization required deep understanding of both SDKs' data requirements and optimization techniques. Background mesh optimization and automated OBJ model generation with baked-in materials and ambient occlusion demanded complex algorithms and efficient processing. Additionally, balancing technical accuracy with cultural sensitivity required deep collaboration with local communities and heritage experts. The current codebase requires architectural refactoring to implement proper DAL patterns and migrate from mixed API patterns to server actions.
Impact & Results
Established partnerships with Archaeological Survey of India and Urban Local Bodies for heritage documentation. Created comprehensive platform with 38 API routes, microservices architecture, and government-grade security. Developed open-source tools that replace expensive proprietary software, making heritage documentation accessible to researchers and government bodies. The platform strengthens India's foothold in native homegrown technology by providing indigenous solutions to replace costly foreign proprietary software (₹25-60 lakh). This directly supports the Make in India initiative by demonstrating world-class technical capabilities built entirely in India. The platform showcases India's ability to create sophisticated point cloud processing systems, SDK integrations, and mesh optimization algorithms that compete with international solutions. Currently implementing architectural refactor for improved maintainability and performance.
Processing massive point cloud datasets requires sophisticated conversion pipelines and edge optimization
Integrating multiple SDKs (Cesium, Potree) demands deep understanding of data formats and performance requirements
Background mesh optimization and material baking require complex algorithms and efficient processing strategies
Real-time edge processing of massive datasets needs careful memory management and streaming techniques
Cultural preservation requires deep community engagement and respect for local traditions
Technology must serve heritage, not the other way around - user experience is paramount
Open source approach enables sustainable development and community contribution
Government partnerships require robust security and compliance frameworks
Architectural refactoring is essential for maintaining codebase quality at scale
Proper DAL patterns and server actions improve maintainability and performance
Complete architectural refactor with DAL patterns and server actions
Migration from mixed API patterns to consistent server actions
Implementation of comprehensive testing suite
Enhanced mobile app for on-site documentation
Integration with UNESCO World Heritage documentation standards
Advanced analytics dashboard for heritage conservation insights
Blockchain-based authenticity verification for digital heritage records
Key Metrics & Features
Key Metrics
- UsersActive development
- PerformanceSub-100ms API responses
- UptimeProduction ready
- RevenueNon-profit
- DownloadsOpen source
Core Features
- LAS/LAZ to binary conversion pipeline for massive datasets (tens to hundreds of GB)
- Real-time edge processing for point cloud optimization
- Cesium SDK integration for advanced 3D visualization
- Potree SDK integration for point cloud rendering
- Background mesh optimization algorithms
- Automated OBJ model generation with baked-in materials
- Ambient occlusion calculation and application
- Custom WebGL2 point cloud renderer with progressive loading
- 3D model viewer supporting OBJ, GLTF, and STL formats
- DWG/CAD viewer with custom parser implementation
- Interactive heritage atlas with MapLibre GL integration
- 360° panorama viewer with WebGL acceleration
- AI-powered damage assessment using computer vision
- Progressive Web App with offline capabilities
- Multilingual support for major Indian languages
- Government partnership integration with ASI
- Secure donation platform with Razorpay integration
- Real-time transparency dashboard
- Advanced search with vector embeddings
- Mobile-optimized field documentation tools
- 38 API routes with microservices architecture
- Comprehensive refactor plan for DAL implementation
- Real-time database recording for all processing operations
Project Information
Project Info
Tech Stack
Awards & Recognition
Open Source Heritage Initiative
India Heritage Foundation • 2024-08-15
Government Innovation Award
Ministry of Culture • 2024-06-10