Digitisation and publication of 3D digital collections as part of the "www.muzeach" project – structured light scanning products
In the "www.muzeach" project, two different techniques of obtaining measurement data were used, giving the possibility of creating 3D models: photogrammetry (20 models) and structured light scanning (102 models). The models are accessible at inmuseums.pl and on the Sketchfab platform.
At the Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanów, a total of 60 objects were selected for documentation by means of structured light scanning (5 ceramic bisque sculptures, 50 engraved gem impressions and 5 stamps). Due to their small dimensions, they were all measured with the highest spatial resolution we use – 2,500 points per mm2. This allowed for the creation of extremely precise documentation, which, even after simplifying to a lighter 3D model presented on the Sketchfab platform, allows for a detailed study of the shape of the objects.
Scanning the exquisitely made ceramic figures from the German manufacture in Meissen with such high precision allowed for capturing all their workmanship details. The example of the sculpture "Bacchus with a Little Faun" (Wil.694) shows the enormous possibilities offered by the availability of a fully three-dimensional model of the sculpture, in which two figures joined together obscure each other. The shape of the object makes it a challenge to documentation it photographically in a studio, because certain parts will always obscure each other or will not be properly illuminated. The 3D model overcomes these limitations – while viewing it, you can decide on the viewing angle and the lighting the solid. Even on a simplified model, nuances are clearly visible, such as the line running along Bacchus' calf – the trace of joining two parts of the form, showing the technology of creating this figure over 200 years ago.
In the case of the final presentation models of engraved gem impressions and stamps, only their faces were modelled. Thanks to this, we could use the number of triangles in the model allowed by Sketchfab to map the most important front surface and obtain a more accurate level of mapping. In the case of a stamp model (e.g. "Stamp of the Wilanów Land Steward", Wil.6088), a useful function is the possibility of turning the model over and looking at its reverse – the stamp is easier to read then.
The National Museum in Szczecin documented 5 objects (stone capitals of medieval columns) using structured light scanning with a spatial resolution of 100 points per mm2. It turned out to be sufficient to reflect the features of the surface of such large objects. Noteworthy is the "Devil's Capital" (MNS/pcs/143) made of Gotland limestone from around 1330, decorated on one of the corners with a figure of a devil.
The POLIN Museum documented 4 objects, including a set of 32 wooden chess pieces (MPOLIN-M), made by Pola Najder in 1943, when she was hiding in a bunker. The National Museum in Lublin modelled 2 small archaeological objects, including the ceramic "Figurines of a horseman on a horse" (445/A/ML). Due to their small dimensions and the required high fidelity of geometry, the objects from both the above-mentioned museums were scanned at a spatial resolution of 2,500 points per mm2.
The Castle Museum in Łańcut used only photogrammetry for its three-dimensional documentation.
Beneficiary: Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów
Partners: POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, National Museum in Lublin (formerly the Lublin Museum in Lublin), National Museum in Szczecin, Castle Museum in Łańcut
Total cost of the project: 12,172,215.58 PLN
Amount of the co-financing: 9,247,929.94 PLN
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