A vast high-tech survey has transformed how the ancient city of Pompeii is preserved, marking a major step forward in the long-standing challenge of protecting one of the world’s most fragile archaeological sites. Using drones, satellites, robots, and artificial intelligence, researchers have completed the first comprehensive monitoring system covering the entire area, generating an unprecedented amount of data to guide conservation efforts.
The scale of the project is striking. More than 13,000 individual spaces – including homes, shops, and public buildings – were analyzed across roughly 1,200 property units. In total, experts compiled over 70,000 detailed records documenting walls, floors, roofs, frescoes, and decorative elements. These records form the backbone of a digital system designed to classify risks, track deterioration, and prioritize interventions.
