U.S. specialists scan and digitize Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral

A group of specialists from the United States

is working on the scanning and digitization of all four buildings comprising Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral . In order to generate high-definition models, the group used drones, high precision laser scans, and photogrammetry equipment to generate three-dimensional models, which will be of great help for the preservation and promotion of Mexico’s cultural heritage.

This is the first time that this type of work is undertaken in Mexico. Through a press release, the Ministry of Culture informed that specialists from the non-governmental organization Cyark based in San Francisco, California , used a combination of drones, lasers, and photogrammetry at the Metropolitan Cathedral, which has a surface of 6,000 square meters .

Enrique Varela, coordinator of the Professional Auditors team at the Directorate General of Sites and Monuments of Cultural Heritage

, pointed out that “this is the first time that this type of digitization and scan is made at the Metropolitan Cathedral, and all four buildings that comprise it,” he claimed, reminding that the complex included the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Metropolitan Sanctuary, the Curia, and the Las Animas Chapel .

The specialist recalled that the cathedral dates back to a second construction that began in 1574 and concluded 200 years later . The building is large and heavy, with an estimated weight of 127 thousand tons . Its architecture incorporates different styles from between the 16th and 20th century.

Although last year’s seismic events did not jeopardize the structure’s stability, it did generate damages that specialists are still working to fix. This state-of-the-art technology will allow experts to give detailed diagnostics for the elaboration of a second repair plan.

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