“Le Strade Nuove” and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006 and comprise one of Genoa’s most renowned districts in northwestern Italy. These structures date back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries and feature a distinguished ensemble of Renaissance and Baroque mansions built during the Republic of Genoa’s period of prominence. However, issues such as pollution, mass tourism and climate change present ongoing challenges to the conservation of the city’s architectural legacy.
The administration of Genoa employs advanced technological solutions to safeguard its built heritage and foster long-term sustainability. The challenge is to preserve Genoa’s historic charm while modernizing its infrastructure and raising urban efficiency to meet the demands of a bustling, ever-changing metropolis. In collaboration with Octave, the City has implemented an ambitious urban digital twin project, encompassing innovative workflows and detailed digital mapping of both underground and surface infrastructure.
By working with the port authority, we can manage city operations more efficiently, directing tourists away from areas under maintenance and improving overall traffic.
By working with the port authority, we can manage city operations more efficiently, directing tourists away from areas under maintenance and improving overall traffic.
With the “OverUnderGround” project, the START 4.0 Competence Centre and Octave aimed to create precise 3D models to see Genoa’s above- and below-ground worlds in seamless harmony. Using Leica BLK2GO and RTC360 laser scanners, Leica Cyclone REGISTER 360 PLUS and the advanced IDS GeoRadar Stream DP solution, data was gathered from the city’s river channels using point clouds, while georadar swept beneath the streets to uncover a hidden world of pipes, utilities and ancient tunnels. Alto Twin operates as a hub across all data and systems.
The project has enhanced water resource management, structural monitoring and cultural heritage protection and safely mapped key historical areas without disrupting urban flows. The digital twin assists beyond planning infrastructure projects — e.g., in tourism management by helping regulate the number of visitors in heritage areas, particularly when air pollution levels or crowding are high. The City can provide real-time impact maps for both residents and tourists to inform them about environmental conditions. It is also beneficial when coordinating infrastructure maintenance with the influx of cruise ships and thousands of tourists who enter the city through the Port of Genoa.