Digital twins are designed to faithfully replicate their real-world counterparts, and enable simulations, testing, and other computational tasks to be performed without impacting the originals. They can also serve preservation efforts, as demonstrated by the latest project introduced by the Vatican. Catholic authorities collaborated with Microsoft to develop a digital twin of St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important Christian churches and a globally renowned tourist attraction. Using AI and various scanning technologies, Microsoft and its partners were able to create an accurate digital model of the Basilica, offering people around the world a new way to explore the church and its many hidden corners.
From an article in Techspot by Alfonso Maruccia.
The Basilica di San Pietro project involved capturing hundreds of thousands of images through drones, cameras, and laser scans, using advanced photogrammetry techniques to precisely document the church’s physical features. Iconem, a French company specializing in digital preservation, collected over 400,000 high-resolution images, which were then processed on Microsoft’s Azure platform.
Microsoft used AI to refine the 3D model, achieving millimeter-level accuracy that can be explored via modern web browsers. AI algorithms also helped detect potential structural issues within the virtual replica, generating a detailed map of cracks and missing mosaic tiles, allowing restorers to prioritize areas needing repair.
The digital St. Peter’s Basilica is meant to be an immersive exhibit for Christians, scholars, and history buffs worldwide. The “new” Basilica, built on the foundations of the original Roman church, is over 400 years old and features many unique works by Michelangelo, Bernini, and other classical artists.
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