A groundbreaking project led by the Politecnico di Milano – UNESCO Research Lab, for SABAP Venice, Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, and Gexcel Srl, has digitally mapped the Doge’s Palace in Venice using advanced 3D technology. Funded by the Ministry of Culture – Regional Secretariat for Veneto, the initiative aims to assess seismic vulnerability and support long-term preservation of iconic monuments of the Area Marciana.

Researchers covered 17 km inside and around the Palace, capturing over 30 billion data points with the wearable HERON MS TWIN Color system. This mobile mapping device, combined with static laser scans and drone photogrammetry, enabled precise documentation of ceremonial halls, hidden corridors, prison cells, and rooftops—often during nighttime to avoid tourist traffic.

The resulting 3D point cloud allows virtual exploration, accurate measurements, and the creation of mathematical models and architectural drawings. These tools are vital for engineers, architects, and restorers working to protect Venice’s cultural heritage.

The project paves the way for similar interventions on other complex historic sites, combining speed, precision, and minimal impact on spaces and their accessibility—contributing to their long-term preservation.