5.1 Museum & Heritage Applications of Digital 3D Imaging
J. Angelo Beraldin , National Research Council of Canada, Canada
Virginia Valzano , University of Lecce, Italy

Session: 5.1 Museum & Heritage Applications of Digital 3D Imaging

The purpose of this tutorial is to present an introductory and general overview of three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems and the related museum and heritage recording applications. Three-dimensional imaging systems are increasingly being applied to a variety of museum and heritage recording projects. For example, 3D systems have been used to scan archaeological site features, ethnographic collections, paintings, sculptures and monuments as well as architectural elements on historic buildings. Once recorded, the 3D image data of a site or museum object can be used for a variety of applications including archival documentation, research, conservation, replication as well as interactive 3D VR Theatre and virtual museum web applications. The first part of the course will discuss the fundamentals of 3D sensing and then discuss the advantages and limits of 3D sensing techniques. We will then show some applications of this technology to the field of Heritage. Since 1984, the NRC has undertaken a variety of projects to demonstrate the museum and heritage applications of 3D Imaging Technology. We will not limit the applications to what NRC has done. We will also look at other initiatives undertaken by other groups. We will present a project started in 2000 between the University of Florence and the NRC. Furthermore, we will discuss an initiative started in the field of 3D model building and documentation and coordinated by SIBA. SIBA is an Italian structure entrusted with the coordination, the management and the development of the Telematic Informative System for Research and Education. It is also engaged in the development of coordinated services aiming at the digital reproduction, preservation, virtual restoration and assessment of the historical, scientific and cultural patrimony of the University, and it is involved in the development of methodologies for the use of digital technologies within the cultural heritage field.

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