3D Scanners

 

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3D laser scanners allow for a large number of measurements to be collected across the surface of an object, resulting in a dense three-dimensional digital data file that accurately portrays surface features. Such scanners are used to obtain a scaled replica of the target scene, structure, or object. The data collected are an accurate mapping of the surface which cannot be obtained as easily or as accurately by traditional surveying or other recording techniques. The resulting 3D model provides investigators with the means to study and analyze the scanned site, structure, or object. It further provides a “digital copy” of the subject that can be revisited as the site or object changes over time. The benefits of this virtual means of measurement go beyond its very significant presentation value by contributing to design of better sampling strategies, enhancement of scholarly analysis, and potential improvement of interpretation.

Two 3D laser scanners are in use at CAST: a Optech ILRIS and a Minolta Vivid 9i. The Optech isa "time of flight" system and has a range of 3m to 1 km and a nominal accuracy of +/- 10 mm at 100m. The Minolta is a "triangulation light block" based system and its range is 0.5 to 2.5 m and the nominal accuracy at 0.6 m is +/- 0.05. More information on these instruments and examples of their use is provided at the links to the left.

Technical information on how the systems are used is provided here. Scan data developed by the Center's research efforts are made available to the public at the Center's Invirmet web site.