Archeology Relies on 3D Laser Scanning

We need to keep researching our past because it helps us understand what shaped the way we live today. Many archeologists have made it their life mission to discover the hidden wonders of the world. A team of archeologists studies the Orontes River region that runs through Lebanon through Syria, and Turkey. Tim Harrison, responsible for the team, saw the benefits of using 3D laser scanning and has adopted it in his work.

“It’s like a jigsaw puzzle, but it’s a three-dimensional puzzle, and you only have maybe five percent of the pieces. So, we became very interested in the development of fast, high-resolution scanning technology that would help generate 3D images that we hope to eventually import into shape-matching software that will help solve these puzzles.” Says Tim.

The best thing about these machines is they are smaller than a lot of other technologies to take. The team can easily take a small handheld 3D laser scanning device out on the field. They are easily maneuvered and straightforward to use. This means everyone on the team has a chance to solve the puzzles throughout history.

The team’s hopes with 3D laser scanning

With this advanced technology, the team hopes to one-day compare materials, rocks, textures, colors, dimensions, and more. They can create a digital reference folder that allows them to compare everything from years ago, even if they don’t have the original piece anymore. This can help them connect findings from years ago with future discoveries. 3D laser scanning can help us piece together critical information that we may have once been missing.

How does 3D laser scanning work

You may be wondering how a small handheld device can help capture important historical information. That is a great question! This little device actually captures thousands upon thousands of cloud data points through laser beams. These lasers are noninvasive and do not harm the people or objects using them.

The laser beams are being measured how far they travel, and it picks up little divots, holes, and other small details that may go missing. At the same time, pictures are being taken to get the physical appearance down. It is saved in the cloud where it can never be erased, it can be sent to an editing system. Anyone on the research team can access these files and edit them to find out more about the historical object.

The best part about 3D laser scanning is that once it is done being edited, a model can be printed as good as the exact replica. The information can be sent to anyone worldwide, and they can choose to turn it into virtual reality, keep it as a digital file, or choose to create a physical copy.

Final thoughts

Archeologists can do so many amazing things with this technology; it is genuinely no wonder this team decided to start using it. 3D laser scanning will allow us to dig deeper into our past and solve all of the world’s historical jigsaw puzzles.