Digital heritage preservation through drone surveying: Vulnerability analysis of Venetian church façades

Preservation of Venice's unique cultural identity requires innovative approaches to safeguard its fragile archi-tectural heritage. This study explores the potential of drone-based surveying and Historical Digital Twin meth-odologies to assess the vulnerability of city's façade systems. Focusing on emblematic case studies, high- resolution drone imagery was employed to generate detailed 3D digital models of the façades and their statu-ary elements. Models served as base for structural vulnerability analyses, enabling precise monitoring, mainte-nance planning, and safety evaluations. The research demonstrates how the integration of advanced digital surveying techniques with structural engineering expertise can enhance understanding and management of risks affecting Venice's cultural heritage. This research integrates advanced information technologies into the broader context of design, engineering, and maintenance of artistic buildings and assets, demonstrating how digital tools can revolutionize cultural heritage conservation. The findings offer a replicable framework that bridges tradi-tional preservation methods with cutting-edge digital modeling techniques to enhance the management of risks