The Vatican and Microsoft have recently launched an exciting project, creating a digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica. This digital replica not only allows global visitors to explore this world-renowned religious landmark via the internet but also aids the Vatican in managing visitor flow and identifying conservation issues.
The project utilized 400,000 high-resolution digital photos, taken over a four-week period when the basilica was not open to the public, using drones, cameras, and laser equipment.
The launch of the digital twin, along with two new on-site exhibitions, offers visitors an interactive experience. "This is one of the most advanced and complex technological projects to date," said Microsoft President Brad Smith at a Vatican press conference.
This digital platform allows visitors to book entry times online, a first for one of the world's most popular attractions, where waiting times can often be several hours. The core of the project involves advanced photogrammetry and artificial intelligence to create a highly accurate 3D model, enabling anyone to "visit" the basilica and learn about its history.
According to Smith, this ultra-fine 3D replica, developed in collaboration with digital preservation company Iconem, integrates 22PB of data, equivalent to the capacity of 5 million DVDs. These images have successfully identified structural damage and signs of degradation, such as missing mosaic pieces and cracks, far surpassing human capabilities in speed and accuracy.
Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to the Microsoft team and basilica staff during a Monday event, marveling at how modern technology helps spread ancient faith while protecting this world heritage. He emphasized that maintaining the basilica is not only about the transmission of faith but also a responsibility towards material wealth, even requiring the latest technology.
Smith did not disclose the specific investment amount of the project, only stating that it was "quite substantial," following a call from Francis in 2018 to gather tech companies to promote AI with a human touch.
Key Points:
🌐 Global visitors can tour St. Peter's Basilica online via the digital twin, experiencing convenient entry booking.
📸 The project uses 400,000 high-resolution photos to create an accurate 3D model, enhancing heritage protection capabilities.
🤝 Pope Francis appreciates modern technology aiding in the spread of faith and cultural protection, emphasizing the responsibility and mission towards the basilica.