Pompeii, digital protection: an app revolutionizes the conservation of the archaeological site

The ancient city of Pompeii, a priceless and fragile heritage, faces the challenge of conservation thanks to an innovative digital solution: an interactive app developed to monitor and preserve the immense archaeological site. Launched as part of the “Open Pompeii” digital ecosystem, the app represents a step forward in the management of cultural heritage, transforming protection into a collective and participatory mission.

with over a thousand homes and 13 thousand environments, of which only 5% is protected from atmospheric agents, Pompeii presents itself as one of the most complex archaeological sites in the world, comparable to realities such as Petra in Jordan or Angkor in Cambodia. The vastness of the site requires continuous and systematic monitoring, made possible only through the use of advanced technologies.

Developed in collaboration with the company Visivalab and Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Salerno, the web app allows you to collect updated data on the state of conservation of the site, offering a complete overview of floors, walls, plasters, roofs, decorative apparatus and furnishings. Each report flows into a database that helps to plan maintenance and restoration interventions, estimating costs and priorities.

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But it is not just an app for insiders. All Park workers, from security personnel to technicians, can interact by reporting critical issues. “Digital helps us make protection a participatory and interactive activity, connecting different information for a more effective response”, explain the Park technicians.

A participatory and sustainable protection

The objective, as underlined by the director of the Park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, is to exploit connectivity to enhance knowledge and improve site conservation. “We are experimenting with how artificial intelligence can support us in monitoring. In the future, we plan to involve visitors as well, turning them into active partners in heritage conservation”, Zuchtriegel said.

Scheduled maintenance is a key element in preventing irreparable damage. According to Professor Luigi Petti, co-developer of the project, “Every euro spent on maintenance today saves tens of euros in the coming decades. With the increase in risks related to climate change, proactive maintenance will be even more essential”.

The project was funded with 12 million euro from the Italian Government's Cohesion Funds. The interventions will be carried out through a "framework agreement" with external operators, which allows flexibility in responding to emerging needs identified by monitoring.

“Our responsibility is to preserve not only the large domus, but also the smaller workshops and stables, to hand down the integrity of Pompeii to future generations”, concluded Zuchtriegel, thanking the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, for the support.