by Ann
Every day, more and more treasured cultural artifacts and historical sites decay due to age, time, weather, climate change, war, and terrorism. In an attempt to preserve these artifacts, many non-profit organizations, universities, and governments have partnered together and are turning to new digital-conservation technology allowing us to hold on to them virtually. Below are a few projects that use 3D laser scanning to aid in their efforts to protect priceless objects and structures:
3D Petrie Project:
In 2009, the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology at University College London (UCL), in collaboration with UCL’s Department of Civil Environmental and Geomatic Engineering and Arius 3D, developed a program to create 3D images of objects in the Petrie collection. The project aims to use 3D laser scanning to create a high-quality 3D image library of artifacts and enable digital traveling exhibitions of fragile Egyptian artifacts. You can learn more about their project and view their 3D objects here.
Leaning Tower of Pisa:
Researchers from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) has developed a new handheld, spring-mounted 3D laser scanner and mapper called Zebedee. This device was capable of scanning and mapping the complicated and cramped interiors of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in under 20 minutes. Other 3D laser scanners must be placed at numerous locations to see any obstructions adequately, however, Zebedee’s spring component allows the scanner to sway from side to side, capturing data as the carrier walks around. This function aids the scanner to peak around detailed obstructions, map the irregular interiors, and also obtain fine details from numerous vantages. The Zebedee also builds its 3D maps out of point clouds and includes an inertial sensor which can track the location and changes in distance from laser ranged surfaces. The scans produced of the Leaning Tower of Pisa aid in conservation and restoration efforts, as well as provide any user the means of virtually exploring the historic and iconic structure. Here you can see the Zebedee in action.
The Zamani Project:
Started in the Geomatics division at the University of Cape Town in 2004, the 
Zamani Project creates digital representations of African historical sites aiming to fight against damage and destruction through war, rising sea levels, natural deterioration, and political unrest. Through the use of 3D laser scanning, GPS technology, 3D modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and animation software the team can digitally capture spatial data of the heritage sites. From these tools, the team can construct 3D models, panoramas, and interactive virtual worlds that can capture the site’s minute architectural details and dimensions in addition to the surrounding topography. Their vision is to provide data and information for restoration and conservation purposes as well as for research and education. You can learn more about The Zamani Project here.
For more information concerning projects involving 3D laser scanning, consult:
Holloway, J. (2013 September 19). Tower of Pisa 3D-scanned in 20 mins with Spring-mounted Zebedee. New Atlas. Retrieved from https://newatlas.com/csiro-zebedee-3d-scanner/29114/
Payne, E.M., (2013). Imaging Techniques in Conservation . Journal of Conservation and Museum Studies . 10 ( 2 ) , pp . 17–29 . DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/jcms.1021201
University of Cape Town Zamani Project. (n.d.). The Zamani Project. Retrieved April 28, 2018 from http://www.zamaniproject.org/
For full bibliography visit: References.
Scientific Analysis & Conservation Tech 