Mapping Alcatraz: Digitizing The Notorious Prison

Key Benefits at a Glance

Pete Kelsey, founder of VCTO Labs, has made a name for himself by using drones and digital tools to tell stories across the U.S. His work spans cultural heritage projects, historical research, and even mysterious locations like Skinwalker Ranch. For over a decade, he's dreamed of digitizing an entire National Park—and in 2023, that dream took shape with Alcatraz.

Alcatraz, a small island near San Francisco, was once one of the most secure prisons in the world. It operated from the 1930s until it was closed in the 1960s and later became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, it's managed by the National Park Service and attracts over a million visitors each year. But with such high foot traffic and rising sea levels, the site faces significant environmental and structural challenges.

With the help of the Elios 3 drone, Pete and his team aimed to create a comprehensive digital map of the entire island. This would not only aid in maintenance and preservation but also offer new ways for people to explore Alcatraz virtually. The project was ambitious—requiring permits, specialized equipment, and a team of volunteers who shared the vision of bringing history into the digital age.

After months of planning and securing the necessary approvals, Pete assembled a group of experts from across the U.S. and even Australia. Among them was Matt MacKinnon from UAS Inc., who suggested bringing in the Elios 3 to handle confined spaces. At first, Pete hadn't used the drone before, but he quickly realized its value when it came to accessing tight, dangerous, or previously unreachable areas.

Over three weeks, the team gathered data from every corner of the island. They slept in old prison cells, worked under challenging conditions, and captured detailed scans of structures that had been sealed for decades. The Elios 3 played a critical role in this effort, flying through narrow passages, deep dungeons, and even up smokestacks to gather crucial LiDAR and visual data.

One of the most exciting discoveries was a Civil War-era dungeon that had been sealed for over a century. Using the Elios 3, the team created a 3D model of the space, revealing details that had been hidden for generations. Another key area was the old power plant, where the Elios 3 helped map out hazardous internal infrastructure that was too dangerous for humans to enter.

This project represents a groundbreaking step in the use of technology for cultural preservation. By creating a digital twin of Alcatraz, the team is not only safeguarding its history but also opening new doors for education, research, and public engagement. The data will be used to monitor changes over time, plan future conservation efforts, and even provide virtual access to those who can’t visit in person.

As Pete puts it, “The Elios 3 gave us access to places we never thought possible. It’s a game-changer for how we approach historical sites and protected areas.” With this project, the future of digital mapping in national parks looks brighter than ever.

Learn more about the Elios 3 and its real-world applications.

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