Using the digitization of nearly 9 000 graphic documents relating to Versailles, the Verspera project made it possible to reconstruct the palace in 3D. This was achieved in partnership with the Versailles Research Centre, the National Archives, the National Library of France, and the ETIS university laboratory. 

“Verspera” began with the digitization of plans of Versailles from the late 15th century to the French Revolution: including castles, gardens, parkland, estate and town. These plans consist of general layouts, sections, elevations and detailed architectural or decorative drawings, primarily preserved in the National Archives. 

Restoration of 750 fragile and valuable documents was necessary before digitization. Innovative procedures were developed to meet the technical challenges, including handling large documents up to 3 m by 4 m. 

Based on these digitized plans, the ETIS lab developed original 3D modeling software called “Verspera,” which can be reused for other heritage reconstructions.