# 3D Modeling & Laser Scanning

The ability to engage with and manipulate 3D models of real-world artifacts and spaces can allow for a deeper understanding of the objects and space in question (particularly in comparison to a traditional 2D image). For example, a [recent collection](https://sketchfab.com/blogs/community/sketchfab-launches-public-domain-dedication-for-3d-cultural-heritage/) of public domain cultural heritage models from museums and libraries from across the world numbering [more than 1700 models](https://sketchfab.com/nebulousflynn/collections/cc0) has been made freely available to view and download. 

The creation of 3D objects can be divided into two general processes, creating models from photos called **photogrammetry**, which involves the construction of a 3D digital surface (known as a mesh) based on a series of overlapping photographs of an object, and **laser scanning**, which is the process of using lasers bouncing off from an object to identify the shape of its surface. 

### 3D Models Made from Photographs 

There are a variety of ways to make your 3D model publicly available, either as part of a research question or in the classroom. The models below are shared using [Sketchfab](http://sketchfab.com/), an online hosting platform.

Here is a 3D model of a pre-hominid skull made for a BC Biology class. (It is made up of approximately 150 images and the mesh is made of 1.5 million triangles.):

{% embed url="<https://sketchfab.com/models/c07888c6a339479ba3f6f57a4a771806/embed>?" %}
Created by Matt Naglak, BC Digital Scholarship Librarian
{% endembed %}

Here is a 3D model of the "Hail Flutie" statue set up outside of BC's Alumni Stadium. (It is made up of approximately 75 photos and the mesh is made of 762k triangles.):

{% embed url="<https://sketchfab.com/models/74248bfba01845f1bf7491555bebcb3d/embed>?" %}
Created by Matt Naglak, BC Digital Scholarship Librarian &#x20;
{% endembed %}

### 3D Printing

3D models can also be 3D printed, such as this print of a Roman statue:&#x20;

![Created by Matt Naglak, BC Digital Scholarship Librarian  ](https://1449868658-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MRQTcbFY8LmyitpJ2uH%2F-MRQmYUN_c-ha3txruUv%2F-MRQpQqF3XWSXWsbhzfz%2F3Dprint-statuetorso.jpg?alt=media\&token=eed47700-98a9-4547-87d0-7ea078b1ea0d)