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 of public domain cultural heritage models from museums and libraries from across the world numbering more than 1700 models 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, 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.):

Created by Matt Naglak, BC Digital Scholarship Librarian

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.):

Created by Matt Naglak, BC Digital Scholarship Librarian

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