Piecing together history using modern technology
For many of us, ancient Egypt has been a mystery, and we continuously look back at the rich history. Some of us have made it our lives work to understand how they used to live. We research the historical artifacts, dig up bones, and replicate them to understand how they were once pieced together. More than ever, it has become easier to study these artifacts and understand how something was done or lived through 3D laser scanning.
This technological tool has proved beyond useful in many fields but especially for museums and researchers studying artifacts and bones. It provides many unbeatable benefits. Researchers from Swansea University have adopted 3D laser scanning equipment to research three animals from more than 2,000 years after they died.
By studying these bones, they can understand how animals were kept, mummified, and what they may have meant to someone. Right now, more research is being done. They have identified them to be a cat, a bird, and a snake. Other than that, they are not sure what was inside of each during the mummification process. Hopefully, with the help of 3D laser scanning, they will be able to understand more.
What details can 3D laser scanning identify
The best thing about using a 3D laser scanning device for research is that it can pick up intricate details that may be overlooked or missed altogether. In this case, researchers were able to pick up every single section of bones, all the way down to very tiny sharp teeth. With this equipment, you can see every ridge, gap, hole, and texture there is to see. This can help identify how something may have died even 2,000 years after death.
How this technology works
3D laser scanning is unique because it is entirely noninvasive. Instead of pokes and prods, it uses lasers and photographs to capture detailed 3D images. The laser projects over the object and measures the distance the light travels, meanwhile a camera takes rapid pictures. Both working together helps create a full photo that can be viewed from every angle.
All a researcher has to do is hold the tool in their hand and slowly walk around the object, getting all sides and the top. Once it is done obtaining all the information, it gets sent to a CAD or computer-aided design program, usually paired with the device. From there, it can be edited, turned into virtual reality, sent worldwide as an e-file, or printed into a physical model.
Final thoughts
3D laser scanning is a fantastic tool for museums to use because it helps preserve, protect, and share. It helps them understand artifacts and get a closer look at them without any risk of destroying them, which is incredibly essential. Many people have started using this technology worldwide, and it is another way to send information from museum to museum without needing to ship the original artifacts. This will help preserve our historical artifacts for future generations.
