Surrey engineers produce first full digital survey of historic West Horsley Place

The model now lays the groundwork for a future digital twin that could transform how the estate is preserved, monitored and experienced by visitors. 

The year-long project involved a full digital survey of the 15th-century manor, using high-resolution terrestrial laser scanners to capture millions of measurements. After 20 days of 3D scanning, engineers mapped every room and structural feature in detail, creating a rich 3D dataset that reveals the building’s shape and even areas of hidden movement or deterioration that could not be found through visual inspection alone. 

With the survey now complete – delivered in collaboration with Alma Soft, who converted the laser scan into a 3D model – the Surrey team is working with West Horsley Place to explore how the model can support conservation planning and long-term monitoring. In future phases, real-time data from sensors could be layered onto the 3D structure to track temperature, humidity and subtle structural shifts, serving as an early-warning system for conservation teams. 

The work also opens the door to new public engagement opportunities, with the potential to develop virtual tours, educational materials and augmented-reality storytelling that give visitors fresh insight into the history and architecture of the estate. 

The project was supported by the University’s Institute for Sustainability and forms part of wider efforts to use digital technologies to advance sustainability and heritage conservation.