Geospatial Surveying

We have just had the incredible privilege of hosting Jon Bedford, Principal Geospatial Surveyor for Historic England, who spent the week meticulously surveying our beautiful Lady Chapel. This remarkable project, generously provided by Historic England, will provide an invaluable resource for The Courtauld Institute of Art as they continue their vital restoration work. But what exactly is a Geospatial Survey?

You may have seen the equipment and wondered what this process involves. In simple terms, a geospatial survey is like creating an ultra-high-definition, perfectly measured 3D map of a space or object. Using advanced technology like 3D laser scanners and photogrammetry (which creates 3D models from hundreds of overlapping photographs), surveyors like Jon can capture millions of precise data points. This results in a detailed "digital twin" of the Lady Chapel, recording every surface, contour, and architectural detail down to the millimetre.

This is far more than just a photograph; it's a living record that will:

• Aid Restoration: Provide The Courtauld team with exact measurements and a baseline model to plan and execute sensitive conservation work.

• Monitor Change: Allow us to monitor the chapel for any subtle shifts or changes over time, helping with long-term preservation.

• Create a Digital Record: Preserve the current state of the chapel in perpetuity, an invaluable resource for historians and future generations. 
  

We are profoundly grateful to Historic England for providing this cutting-edge service. This data is a gift that will significantly enhance our understanding and care of this precious space for years to come.