Groundbreaking Digital Preservation Project Maps Alcatraz Island in 3D
Living and Working in America’s Most Famous Prison
Advanced Technology Arsenal
Drone Technology at Work
Processing Power Challenges
Epic Games Integration and Virtual Reality Applications
Historical Discoveries and Documentation
Conservation and Climate Change Applications
Future Revenue and Educational Applications of Digital Twins
Technical Lessons and Industry Impact
Advancing Digital Preservation Standards
Groundbreaking Digital Preservation Project Unveils Comprehensive 3D Map of Alcatraz Island
Frankfurt, Germany — A revolutionary digital preservation initiative has produced the most detailed 3D map of Alcatraz Island to date, utilizing advanced drone technology, artificial intelligence, and reality capture systems. Pete Kelsey, founder of VCTO Labs, unveiled this ambitious project at Intergeo 2025, showcasing the efforts of an international team of over 20 volunteers who completed one of the largest digital twin projects of an American landmark.
In partnership with the National Park Service, the project, finalized in December 2023, marks a significant advancement in cultural heritage preservation. Kelsey highlighted the pressing challenges facing the 22.5-acre island, including rising sea levels, seismic activity from the San Andreas Fault, and the impact of over one million annual visitors on its structural integrity.
Living Inside History
Kelsey and his team spent three weeks living in the prison cells of Alcatraz, capturing four terabytes of data through a combination of terrestrial laser scanning, drone-based LiDAR, multispectral scanning, and photogrammetry. “I was in D-block, third tier, cell number 31. Home sweet home!” Kelsey joked during his presentation, despite the eerie atmosphere reported by some team members.
The team faced unique challenges, including limited amenities and the need to work around tourist schedules, capturing data primarily in the early morning hours to avoid disruption.
Advanced Technology Arsenal
The project’s success hinged on a sophisticated array of reality capture technologies. Kelsey emphasized the importance of establishing a survey control network with 6mm precision, which facilitated the integration of data from various sources.
The aerial data collection involved multiple specialized drones, including the Inspired Flight 1200i for heavy-lift operations and the Elios 3 for navigating confined interior spaces. The project also utilized advanced software from ESRI for photogrammetry and Epic Games for creating immersive digital experiences.
Discoveries and Documentation
The comprehensive scanning revealed previously unknown historical features, including the complete escape route used in the infamous 1962 breakout. Multi-spectral scanning uncovered a forgotten helipad and graffiti from inmates, while the original Civil War-era sallyport was rediscovered, shedding light on Alcatraz’s military history.
Conservation and Future Applications
The digital twin serves as a crucial tool for monitoring the effects of climate change and visitor impact on the island’s structures. Kelsey envisions the project contributing to a “virtual national park,” offering immersive experiences for those unable to visit in person.
“This project sets new standards for cultural heritage preservation,” Kelsey stated, emphasizing the need for comprehensive digital documentation as environmental threats to historical sites increase.
The Alcatraz digital twin not only preserves the island’s legacy but also creates new opportunities for education and revenue through virtual tourism, ensuring that this iconic American landmark remains accessible for generations to come.
