e-GEOS presents Pomerium: satellites, drones and 5G to protect the historic centre of Rome

The project, co-financed by ESA and ASI as part of the joint initiative Space for L'ART (L'Aquila, Rome, Turin) of the ARTES BASS program, has been presented at a press conference held today at the Ministry of Culture in the presence of the undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni.

Pomerium envisages the creation of an advanced monitoring system using integrated methodologies and technologies, including a “Digital Twin” approach, to study and monitor certain areas of the historic centre of Rome within the area encircled by the Aurelian Walls. Areas identified in particular are the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum, the Pyramid of Cestius and Porta San Paolo, the urban course of the Tiber, the Aventine Hill, and the Porto Fluviale.

Using data from satellites, drones and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors placed on-site and connected through the 5G network, Pomerium will enable digital models to be built of the areas involved, identifying any phenomena taking place and predicting their evolution over time. In particular the system will be able to provide an assessment of the stability of the soil and the built environment, the impact of illegal activities (like the appearance of unauthorised refuse tips), attack by invasive vegetation, and the presence and concentration of air pollutants and their impact on the exposed surfaces of buildings, particularly historic ones. Pomerium will thus be able to provide useful information and data for maintenance planning and land management.