Viking Ships Are Now Using 3D Laser Scanning

ship on the ocean

Bringing history to life in new ways

Throughout history, we have been making discoveries of the past. As humans, we try to learn as much about where we came from, how the others before us lived, and how we discover something new every day. With the latest advancements in technology, what we learn and discover is always growing. Due to 3D laser scanning devices, we can now dive deeper into our historical past.

In 2018 the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo found a Viking ship that was underground. With the help of 3D laser scanning, they were able to identify many key details. A team has started to study the ship, and eventually, it will be completely excavated.

3D laser scanning has been advancing above and beyond what anyone would ever believe. It is letting us find out things we would never have been able to see without it. Every year a new feature or updated version of this technology comes out, making it some of the best to use for research.

What details can 3D laser scanning find

With the help of 3D laser scanning, a team could find a 66-foot vessel that they determined was a Viking ship. The scan could also tell that it was 1.6 feet under and in very poor condition. This type of technology is incredibly accurate, and the research team can determine many things from studying the scans. This extraordinary vessel is called the Gjellestad ship.

3D laser scanning contributes to our history

In Norway, this has not been the only discovery. 3D laser scanning has helped determine that a famous Viking skeleton that was believed to be male is actually female. Using this technology, they have found many other ships underground that have helped contribute to history museums all over the world. With 3D laser scanning, we will continue to discover our history.

The benefits of 3D laser scanning

This technology is perfect for research history because it is non-intrusive and non-destructive. 3D laser scanning in no way harms the object or area being scanned. It is also a sustainable way to gather information because it does not use up our natural resources to gather information as well as share it with anyone in the world.

3D laser scanning is some of the most precise technology in the world. It uncovers details that may be too small for us to see. It is also much faster than having to excavate an entire site to make a discovery. Instead of digging in unknown areas, researchers can first scan the site to make sure there is, in fact, something there.  This helps discoveries be known faster.

Final thoughts

3D laser scanning is very affordable, and there are many different versions of this technology on the market. Many research teams are adopting this technology because of its amazing benefits. There are now so many uses for this technology. It has truly changed our world. 3D laser scanning will help us learn more than we could ever possibly hope for.