Cultural heritage faces countless threats, from environmental damage and natural disasters to human conflict. Digital twins allow for the creation of a permanent, detailed record of artefacts and sites. In the event of damage or destruction, these models can be invaluable for restoration efforts. For example, Notre Dame Cathedral’s recent fire highlighted the importance of pre-existing digital scans, which have been instrumental in guiding its reconstruction.
Beyond preservation, digital twins open up exciting opportunities for public engagement. Visitors unable to access a museum or heritage site in person can explore a digital twin from anywhere in the world. This is particularly beneficial for remote or fragile sites where foot traffic might pose a risk to preservation.
Museums can also use digital twins to create interactive experiences. Imagine virtually walking through an ancient castle, seeing its rooms as they were hundreds of years ago, or manipulating a priceless artefact to study it from every angle from the comfort of your home.
These are also common in the real estate sector where estate agents often use early stage digital twin technology to scan a home allowing users to virtually walk through it as a prospective buyer.
How Digital Twins Are Created
Digital twins are built using advanced technologies like 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and laser imaging. These methods capture every minute detail of an artefact or structure, from texture and colour to structural integrity. The data is then processed to create a dynamic, interactive digital model.
Some tools even incorporate real-time data. For instance, sensors can be used to monitor the condition of a building and feed this information back into its digital twin, allowing for proactive preservation measures.
A Tool for Research and Education
For researchers and educators, digital twins are a game-changer. They enable scholars to analyse objects in unprecedented detail without risking damage to the original piece. Students can interact with historical environments and artefacts in immersive ways, making learning more engaging and impactful.
Of course, creating and maintaining digital twins isn’t without its challenges. High costs, large data storage requirements, and the need for specialised skills can be barriers. Yet, as technology continues to evolve, these hurdles are gradually being overcome. Cloud computing and advances in AI are making it easier and more affordable to store, analyse, and manage large-scale digital projects.
Online repositories such as Sketchfab are also instrumental in making 3D models available to both the public and educational researchers as students are often able to download these models for further study.
Looking Ahead
The use of digital twins in heritage preservation is still in its infancy, but its potential is immense. From safeguarding cultural treasures to transforming how we experience history, digital twins are shaping the future of the museum and heritage sectors.
For organisations invested in preserving the past while embracing the future, digital twins are a technology worth exploring. They bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, ensuring that our shared heritage remains accessible for generations to come.
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