3D Laser Scanning Services Used at Scotland's Historical Sites

If you have heard of Fife, you know it is a Scottish territory known for the rich history surrounding the area. There have been many discoveries on historical sites you can explore, thanks to 3D laser scanning services. Over 8,000 years ago, crashing waves made caves called Wemyss Caves. The area is home to one of the largest amounts of symbols drawn and carved into the cave walls. It is the best place to learn about Pictish influence in Scotland. 

3D laser scanning services are one of the best tools to document these symbols and understand who and how they were made. The researchers can track them and see the changes made over the years and preserve them digitally for other people worldwide to explore. 

There are 11 caves total in this system, and many are being documented with the help of technology. 3D laser scanning has been one of the best tools to document historical sites in Scotland. Another place that has been scanned and printed is Dunfermline Abbey, where Robert the Bruce was buried. Researchers scanned his tomb, and a copy is now in the Abbey. 

How 3D laser scanning works

The truth is that this is one of the best pieces of technology on the market for historical research. Though many historical researchers were super skeptical of using this technology, it has become widely popular. Why? It works in a way that does not harm any of the objects. It helps digitally preserve information that can be shared throughout many museums. 

It works by capturing data points and rapid pictures of a scene or object. All of this is noninvasive. Some of the 3D laser scanning devices will even direct the user to ensure all of the information is captured. As a result, there are thousands of data points being captured and thousands of pictures being captured. 

All of the collected information goes to CAD software, where the pictures overlap to create a complete image from every angle. Then, on top of the image, all of the data points are layered, adding more information. Finally, the images can be edited and manipulated to create a complete picture. 

The best thing about this technology is that researchers can create exact replicas when combined with 3D printing. 3D printing is like another giant computer that can create physical objects. From the CAD software, it reads the information like coordinates. It goes layer by layer using arms to maneuver to print out hot material that then hardens into the exact form. Depending on how advanced your 3D printer is will determine how precise and accurate it is. 

Final thoughts

3D laser scanning services are one of the best tools for research, and it is no doubt that more people around the world will start using this technology. We will see that museums that are unconnected in location will have access to detailed information they would never be able to access without the help of this technology.