Fragile historic buildings open doors to virtual visitors

Digital 3D models made for archaeologists and conservationists of at-risk heritage sites are now online so anyone can walk through themAftera major earthquake rocked Mexico City in 2017, the authorities wanted to assess the damage it had caused to the city ’s cathedral, the largest and arguably most spectacular building of its kind in Latin America.Rather than have to rely on ladders and winches like its 16th-century builders, they could call on technology for answers.US-based digital scanning experts were invited to survey and digitally record parts of the cathedral, including theretablo dos reyes, the spectacular gilded screen that stands behind the high altar, allowing the cathedral ’s restoration team to inspect it for cracks or other damage.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Archaeology Google Heritage Digital media Science Architecture Culture Technology Art and design Source Type: news