How Pompeii’s visitors and cultural heritage are wisely protected 

The technological components had to be carefully selected to protect the cultural landmarks, historical artifacts and ancient treasures. They also aimed to assist visitors, especially those with special needs.

Smart@POMPEI's ambition was to create an integrated technological model aimed at safely managing people and monuments in both daily and emergency situations, and to develop research and training programs in the cultural heritage and tourism sector. They hope to be a model for other historical sites.

• Milestone XProtect Corporate VMS, Smart Client, Web Client and Mobile Client
• Network video cameras from Mobotix
• Thermal cameras to check temperatures at entrance robotic checkpoints
• Video analytics software and IoT smart bracelets
• Access control, anti-intrusion devices, metal detectors
• LED lighting and photovoltaic tiles
• Sensors for seismic and hydrogeological activity, and air quality

These are the integrated technologies managed by a Milestone XProtect open platform video solution. In real time it continuously monitors all sensors distributed throughout the Pompeii Archaeological Park. The system then generates alerts in case of danger, vandalism and exceeded limits of environmental and energy impact.

The video surveillance system integrated the cameras that are managed efficiently by the Milestone software. It is the core of the complex IT project based on a solid network infrastructure, both optic fiber and wireless.

The park's online ticketing system has also been integrated into the access control and the video monitoring with a 3D platform that interacts with all subsystems. Alarms are generated in the Milestone VMS when defined thresholds are passed and abnormal behavior or emergency conditions are detected.

Thanks to the implementation of IoT technology, the system is extremely flexible, with the possibility to add additional devices and functionalities. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic arose in 2020, the park added thermal cameras to check for people with possible temperatures. IoT ‘smart bracelets’ can also track visitors through an intelligent video mapping interface, monitoring social distancing to manage the risks of crowding.

The platform aligns with the park’s vision for an intelligent, centralized monitoring and alerting system in which all elements are integrated, providing operators and authorities with full coverage of the activities throughout the park’s many sites.

The Milestone platform provided an important and strategic value for this project: it is the integrator between the different systems and devices. It guarantees the archaeological park the opportunity to think about continuous project developments without any limits on the integration of new innovations.

The ministry’s goal is to continue to develop the integrated system with more IoT technology. They can leverage what has been achieved so far in terms of development, infrastructure and systems, to make ancient Pompeii rise from the ashes and become a most modern and intelligent city of today.

Pompeii is a preserved ancient Roman city in Campania, Italy, that was destroyed in 79 AD when the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering it in ash. The burial preserved it for centuries, and today Pompeii is among the world’s most significant archaeological landmarks. Pompeii was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

The latest eruption of Mount Vesuvius was in 1944 where it took the lives of 26 people. Today, Italian authorities are constantly monitoring its activity, as it is the only active volcano on mainland Europe.