Smithsonian Creates Open Access to 3D Images
Changing the way consumers interact with history
The Smithsonian has now created ways for people to download and use 2D photographs and 3D models for personal and commercial use. The goal is to inspire users to use the images they have access to for new ideas and creations. A user can take the 3D models and create new models from them. These images teach history and also inform users to be creative.
The Smithsonian now has thousands of images and many more 3D models online for open access. Anyone, anywhere in the world can use these images. They are creating an open-source if information, and in the future, they will share these images on many more programs. They are hoping to be able to share with platforms like Google Arts & Culture.
What is 3D laser scanning
A user can see thousands of pictures taken with the help of 3D laser scanning. This technology is the act of taking thousands of images of an object. It is incredibly fast; these pictures are taken at high speed and can happen in under a few minutes.
The purpose of 3D laser scanning is to capture the information of an object. Things like texture, color, size, shape, dimensions, intricate details that could be hard to obtain. These qualities make it one of the most useful tools on the market.
After everything is scanned thoroughly, the data can be transferred to a partnering system where it can be stored for future reference. Or created into virtual reality for others to use, sent across the world, or turned into images that can be shared.
Amazing technology for everyone
This technology was created in the 1960s but never gained adoption until the 1990s. It involved giant cameras that took a lot of human interaction to use. It was nowhere near perfect and had a lot of glitches. Since then, it had developed into a handheld device that anyone can use. It is straightforward to understand and makes our lives easier.
It is not only for researchers but has been useful in various fields around the world. This adoption has created one of the most versatile technological tools that we have on the market. It has been increasingly adopted to upgrade our lives and help us with the quality and safety of our environments.
Police have adopted this to gather information about crime scenes to use in court. Construction workers and teams are using this to help identify which roads or buildings are unsafe. They are using it to create safer streets and buildings.
Students are using this as a study-buddy because it saves information forever, creating the perfect reference tool. Doctors are using this technology to do full-body scans to help patients identify problem areas before they become severe.
Now museums are adopting this technology to create virtual reality and spread knowledge throughout the world. This technology will change the way consumers interact with history. 3D laser scanning will help use preserve historical sites and artifacts for our future generations.
3D laser scanning will shape our future
Soon the world will adopt 3D laser scanning because they will understand what a useful tool it is. It will be used in various fields and shape the way future generations learn about the world. More schools will adopt this technology to give their students a unique experience.