1. 3D Imaging: Literature Review By Gennifer Majors Conservation in Practice Sarah Foskett

2. 3d imaging: how it’s done. Energy is emitted towards the object. The energy bounces off the object and reflects into a sensor. The sensor measures the amount of time it took for the energy to travel through emission and reflection.  Different types of energy can be used for 3d imaging, such as visible light, UV light, or sound waves.  Computer software programs take the data from the sensors and use it to create a virtual model of the object’s shape.  A large series of digital camera images are input into computer software that aligns visually similar points from various perspectives. These aligned points create a “point cloud”. The software can also replicate surface textures and colors, which can be applied to the point cloud to create a virtual 3d replica of the object.

3. Reviewing the literature. Much of the literature is found as articles, published papers, or conference presentations. There are few books dedicated to the concept of using 3d imaging in a cultural heritage setting. Much of the most easily accessible literature could be considered out of date, as the topic is technology-based and many pieces are over 10 years old. However, the older pieces of literature tend give well-rounded and basic descriptions of the processes and reasoning behind 3d imaging. The use of 3d imaging in museum, conservation, and archaeological settings is very well documented and explored. The literature that exists has been written by a wide variety of authors, including scientific specialists, engineers, archaeologists, and conservators. This has resulted in a range of literature that is, overall, sound and well- rounded.

4. Reviewing the literature, cont’d. The advantages and disadvantages of using 3d imaging are explained and appear to be well-known.  Advantages: non-invasive, can give very accurate results, can make delicate objects or spaces widely accessible, can allow detailed evaluation and study of an object, etc.  Disadvantages: can be very expensive, generally need to be very skilled in order to perform properly, generally utilizes delicate or cumbersome equipment, easier methods can give inaccurate results, etc. New, easier and cheaper methods of 3d imaging are being explored and documented. The advantages and disadvantages of these new methods are being explored and investigated in more detail so that these methods could be better utilized.

5. Future needs. Literature is needed that explores solutions for the problems that arise from the cheaper, easier, and more accessible imaging options. Literature is needed that standardizes and thoroughly explains the proper use of 3d imaging methods. As imaging methods become more wide-spread, and as more uses are found for 3d imaging, a wide range of people will need to know how to properly use these methods so that they can create accurate and useful results.