By Devyn Cabral, Revolutionary War Museum Studies Intern
Editor’s Note: On Thursday, August 15, the Museum held a free public program about 3D scanning, hosted by the author and Vermont State University Castleton student, Devyn Cabral. They shared their experience with 3D scanning while showing the process by scanning some objects from the Canal Boat Collection and the Valcour Bay Collection.
When scanning objects for Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, I use an Artec Spider 3D scanner. This is a type of handheld structured light scanner. What does that mean? Structured light is a pattern of light that is projected repeatedly onto the surface of an artifact. This pattern gets distorted as it falls along the curves and edges of the object. That distortion is then measured by the scanner and analyzed alongside other data like color variation to build an exact replica of the original object.
After the artifact gets scanned, it goes through a set of steps called “post-processing.” This is how it goes from being a mix of data to a fully formed model. To explain it briefly: an object isn’t scanned all in one piece. It’s done in small sections that are then pieced together like a puzzle during post-processing. Each scan is cleaned of dust particles and background noise before being put back together. Once the pieces are aligned, the colors are added to create a finished piece.
This type of scanning has been an exciting addition to working with artifact collections because structured light scanners can pick up details down to the smallest scratch. It can help us see details that may be obscured by weathering or coloration on the artifact’s surface. For example, if there’s a maker’s mark (a symbol representing the artist or company that made it) on a ceramic plate that’s covered up by paint, we can strip away the colors on the 3D model to see the mark more clearly.
The introduction of 3D scanning into the museum world has transformed the way exhibits and displays interact with the public. Using 3D models, you can make hundreds of 3D printed replicas of one artifact. This allows for museum visitors and researchers alike to get to hold objects that otherwise would be too fragile to interact with. As this technology becomes more common in museums, some may post their 3D models online for public use. So, anyone with access to a 3D printer can make their own replicas to keep!
I’ve been working with 3D scanning for the past two years through the archaeology program at Vermont State University Castleton. It’s an amazing technology that’s constantly evolving. I love that I have the opportunity to teach people about 3D scanning on August 15th.
Reminder: Learn more about 3D scanning on August 15! Come by the Museum’s new exhibit, Underwater Archaeology: Diving into the Stories of People and Canal Boats of Lake Champlain to hear more and see a 3D scanner in action! Click here for full event details.
Fascinating!