3D Scanning Can Help Preserve Historical Rock Art

Restoring history in australia

For years researchers have been focused on uncovering truths about our history but also preserving it. Many methods have come about all to try to save artifacts and restore historical moments and objects. 3D laser scanning is relatively new, but since it has slowly been adopted, researchers are finding brilliant uses for these tools that have hit the market.

3D laser scanning wasn’t always an accepted way to preserve history, but it has been slowly adopted by researchers and even some museums. This technology was created in the 1960s but didn’t gain any traction until the kinks were worked out in the later 1990s. Since then, it has grown to be used in surprising areas, and people are now genuinely adopting this incredible technology.

Professor Paul Tacon, head of the Place, Evolution, and Rock Art Heritage Unit (PERAHU) at Griffith University, is now working in Australia to help reconstruct rock art. This isn’t just any rock art. This is important Indigenous rock art dating back to 4,000 years. It has been burned away by a wildfire. However, with the help of 3D laser scanning, a team will be able to clearly see the images and replicate them.

Due to the crazy times we are living in and the coronavirus making its way around the world, the team has postponed this project until September when it is safe to do so. Everyone who loves history is keeping a close eye on this team and their findings.

3D laser scanning is fantastic for preserving history

This technology will be able to scan over the rock noninvasively, and thanks to how advanced this tool has become, it will be able to do much more. The 3D laser scanning device the team will use also uses software that merges existing photos with the scan. This will help create a full picture and a better 3D image.

3D laser scanning is accurate, efficient, and precise. It picks up all of the small details that a researcher may miss and can replicate them. It scans in every little time, making it one of the most convenient tools when researching an artifact. This technology also allows the researchers to recreate a site virtually and share it among the public. 3D laser scanning creates a way for everyone in the world to view a historical site.

Final thoughts

There is an unlimited number of uses for this technology, and many researchers are adopting this because of what it does. Many more individuals have started using this technology for things outside of research. 3D laser scanning has truly shaped our world and become one of the most relevant tools that all consumers and industries want to be a part of.

As soon as it is safe to do so, the team in Australia will continue working on preserving historical sites digitally that have been ravaged by the intense fires. If they have enough funding and time, they will be able to work on many different historical sites of the Indigenous in Australia.

Keep reading: more articles about 3D scanning

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