Growing threats from natural disasters and unforeseen incidents are pushing countries to find new ways to protect cultural heritage.

As part of the PATRIMÓNIO CULTURAL 360® project, Património Cultural, I.P. is investing in 3D digitisation of buildings through laser scanning technology.

The project produces highly precise digital records of historic monuments and archaeological sites, creating a meticulous technical foundation “to support conservation, monitoring, and any future intervention work.”

Work is underway on 3D surveying of 35 historical properties located throughout mainland Portugal, including monuments and archaeological sites classified as National Monuments or Properties of Public Interest.

Capturing heritage with millimetre precision

With laser scanning technology, the surveys capture the construction characteristics of the properties with millimetre precision, generating “georeferenced point clouds that provide an accurate representation of physical reality.”

The restoration process of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, following its devastating fire in April 2019, was aided by digital records. Advanced documentation and research tools can support the long-term safeguarding and restoration of cultural heritage sites.

Technology as a restoration tool

Models created from these surveys serve both as public-facing digital experiences and as technical tools supporting architects, engineers, and specialists in conservation and restoration. In the case of damage, deterioration, or destruction, the gathered 3D information can be used to support restoration efforts.

The PATRIMÓNIO CULTURAL 360® project is establishing itself as a “strategic instrument in the modernisation of methodologies for recording, studying, and promoting cultural heritage.”

Public accessibility to shared heritage

The results of the surveys, including virtual tours, digital models, and documentary films, will be freely accessible to the public at: arquiva.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt

PATRIMÓNIO CULTURAL 360® is an initiative by Património Cultural, I.P., funded by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) under its culture component.

The project’s primary objective is to “promote the digital transition of cultural heritage through the production of digital content, including 2D and 3D digitisation, virtual tours, and documentaries”, thereby strengthening access to cultural heritage through digital environments.