The space information of traditional Dei-dou timber frames in taiwan and their applications

The purpose of this study is mainly to understand the way of thinking for planning the dimensions of traditional Dei-dou timber frames in using Gao-chi (the ruler for dimensioning) by master carpenters in Taiwan. Mainly based on the space information done by traditional surveys and drawings, the written records from the manual of master carpenters and the oral materials from interviewing master carpenters, the meanings of marks on the Gao-chi and its functions and characteristics can be disclosed. In addition, by using 3D laser scanner, the space information of this kind of frame with more accuracy can be obtained from the existing building, so as to establish its 3D digital model. By comparing with these two kinds of information, the space information of a timber building with Dei-dou frames obtained from 3D laser scanner can be then used to trace the way of thinking for planning the dimensions done by the master carpenter who had been passed and any information had been disappeared in both written records and oral materials.