The Importance of Preserving History Through 3D Laser Scanning

Finding Catalonia historical site

In October of 2019 an incredible discovery was made in Spain, in a cave that was hard to reach, researchers found a wall full of prehistoric art that dated 15,0000 years old. This cave is one of the most significant finds in the Catalonia region in Spain. Researchers are doing everything they can to preserve this ancient cave, so no more destruction will come to it.

3D laser scanning has allowed preserving many historical sites as well as artifacts. There requires little human interaction when scanning a place or an object, making this technology extremely valuable. The more uses we find to use 3D laser scanners, the more they evolve. It creates a competitive market where each company is trying to create the next best scanner for researchers and individuals to use.

What is 3D laser scanning

This technology captures rapid pictures of a site or an object collecting all information about the item. It is able to detect the smallest details that ordinary molds may not pick up. It is a rapid technique that is highly accurate. Not only that, it’s completely noninvasive. After the data is collected, it is then held in a system that can be saved forever and then shared instantly across the world.

From 3D laser scanners, any item can be 3D printed to have exact copies of an item. This not only preserves the original piece, but it creates a 3D model that researchers can study thoroughly and share.  Instead of putting a prehistoric object at risk, they can handle an exact replica all they want. Not only can it create 3D models, but it can create virtual reality as well. After the data is collected, the information can be sent to a developer who can make it possible for anyone to walk in and view a scene exactly how it was scanned.

This technology preserves history better than anyone could imagine

This technology is crucial for researchers in Spain. They believe this site may once have been more significant, more abundant than what they see now. Still, the public could have unknowingly destroyed the prehistoric site. Now all efforts are going to maintain what is left of the cave. As well as taking accurate scans of the scene for further investigation.

This cave uncovered the oldest artwork in this region and is an incredible find for historians studying this region and culture. Researchers found 100 examples of abstract art that was preserved phenomenally well. They also found 40 pictures of what appeared to be animals. They were covered in soft and sandy silt.

Researchers hope that after the scans, they will be high quality and accurate, they also hope that visitors to Spain will be able to view the site in a 3D projection. 3D laser scanning has changed the way we preserve historical sites, and have found a way to keep it interesting for all visitors, not just researchers. As this technology advances, consumers will be able to walk into history that is more accessible than ever before.