> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bcds.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bcds.gitbook.io/handbook/digital-scholarship-methods/overview/3d-immersive-technologies/3d-modeling-and-laser-scanning.md). # 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="?" %} 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="?" %} Created by Matt Naglak, BC Digital Scholarship Librarian {% endembed %} ### 3D Printing 3D models can also be 3D printed, such as this print of a Roman statue: ![Created by Matt Naglak, BC Digital Scholarship Librarian ](/files/-MRQpQqF3XWSXWsbhzfz) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://bcds.gitbook.io/handbook/digital-scholarship-methods/overview/3d-immersive-technologies/3d-modeling-and-laser-scanning.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.