In the heart of Venice, where history and architecture intertwine, a groundbreaking project has set a new precedent for how we document and preserve cultural heritage sites. Researchers from the Department of Architecture, Building and Construction (ABC) at Politecnico di Milano, led by F. Fassi, have successfully employed a wearable Mobile Mapping System (MMS) to conduct an extensive 3D survey of the iconic Doge’s Palace. Their work, published in the International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences (translated as the International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Geoinformation), offers a glimpse into the future of architectural surveying, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The project, which captured over 30 billion data points in under seven hours, showcases the potential of wearable technology in achieving rapid, comprehensive documentation of complex structures. “The MMS allowed us to cover a trajectory of over 17 km, resulting in 101 scan pathways,” Fassi explained. “This level of detail and speed is unprecedented in traditional surveying methods.”
However, the journey was not without its challenges. To meet the stringent architectural accuracy standards of 1–5 cm, the team integrated the MMS with static laser scans, serving as Ground Control Scans (GCSs). Data processing involved extensive parameter calibration and manual trajectory optimization to mitigate SLAM-induced drift and misalignment. “The evaluation and mitigation of drift errors, as well as data management, were significant hurdles,” Fassi noted. “Human experience played a crucial role in the processing phase, highlighting the necessity of hybrid methodologies and meticulous preparation.”
The implications of this research extend far beyond the cultural heritage sector. In the energy sector, for instance, the ability to quickly and accurately survey large, complex structures can revolutionize the maintenance and monitoring of industrial facilities. Power plants, refineries, and other energy infrastructure could benefit from the detailed 3D models produced by MMS, enabling more efficient inspections, better maintenance planning, and improved safety protocols.
Moreover, the integration of wearable technology with traditional surveying methods underscores the importance of a hybrid approach. As Fassi’s team demonstrated, the combination of MMS and static laser scans can achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy and detail. This hybrid methodology could be a game-changer for industries requiring precise spatial data, from construction and urban planning to environmental monitoring and disaster management.
The research also highlights the critical role of human expertise in data processing. Despite the advancements in technology, the human touch remains indispensable in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data. This underscores the need for ongoing training and development of skilled professionals who can harness the full potential of these cutting-edge tools.
As we look to the future, the successful application of wearable MMS in the Doge’s Palace project paves the way for innovative developments in architectural surveying and beyond. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain significantly from these advancements, as the ability to rapidly and accurately document complex structures can enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The lessons learned from this project serve as a testament to the power of combining technology with human expertise, setting a new standard for the industry.