3D Digitization of Archaeological Artifatcts in Conservation

Summary

At the Conservation Research Laboratory at Texas A&M University, recent projects have all implemented some form of 3D modeling of artifacts as part of the documentation process for either before treatment, after treatment, or both.  The logistics of the implementation of 3D modeling as a standard documentation technique for every artifact in a collection can be daunting, especially when dealing with untreated waterlogged artifacts that must remain wet before conservation. This paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of several methods of digitization, including laser scanning and photogrammetry, as well as the pitfalls a conservator might encounter when trying to digitize fragile artifacts before they have been conserved. After the models are completed, the next challenge facing a conservator is the long term archival storage of digital models, and this and file format choices will be discussed as well.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Visualization Tools for 3D Modeling Archaeological Sites and Artifacts   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2016

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 141