3D Laser Scanning services: Recreating Human Skulls

Recreating any artifact is a tedious task and can be a susceptible task because many are old and need to be handled with care. 3D laser scanning services can help uncover the mysteries of these artifacts without destroying them. On top of that, it can also help recreate them into exact replicas when paired with 3D printing. Recently a 2,600-year-old Siberian Tsar and his partner’s skulls have been found and recreated using the latest methods. 

To recreate their faces, they used photogrammetry to see what their faces would look like. The first step was to analyze the facial features by scanning them. Then every image with cloud points from the skulls was uploaded to a different program to edit and manipulate the images through algorithms. 

Once the digital models were complete, they created physical models based on the digital versions. This process was still long, but compared to previous ways, it helped simplify the entire project. The researchers on the team were able to make some fundamental discoveries that would never have been picked up before. 

What are the different versions of 3D laser scanning?

There are now many types of 3D laser scanning devices to choose from, and all of them are incredibly accurate and precise. This technology was created in the 1960s but not well adopted until the 1990s. There has initially been one type of scanning to choose from, and it came with many kinks. There are various kinds, but the two main ones you will read about are photogrammetry and LIDAR. 

Photogrammetry 

The most significant difference between the two is how they collect information on a scene or an object. Photogrammetry takes rapid pictures of an object collecting hundreds of thousands of cloud points. All of the information taken gets uploaded to a CAD or computer-aided design software that allows the information to be manipulated and edited. 

LIDAR

Light detection and ranging using the same method except for it gathers information by using lasers and sensors. The lasers that are being projected from the device are being measured by the distance traveled. This is an excellent 3D laser scanning device for those who are measuring massive objects and large spaces. 

These 3D laser scanning devices take precise measurements of an area and make incredible digital models. Both can help uncover discoveries we would know nothing about and help preserve them digitally and even make them into physical models. These digital models can also be shared with other researchers much easier than ever before because there is no need to ship the physical models to others. 

Final thoughts

Researchers are using this technology to research more in-depth and gather insight on historical people and objects worldwide. It allows information to be shared across the globe more manageable than ever before and will enable us to learn more about items from thousands of years ago. 3D laser scanning services can help us find new and inventive ways to preserve artifacts and restore them while touching them less, which can further protect them.