Archaeology Seminar: 3D Imaging for Archaeology using Structured Light Technology: Developments in Systems for Remote Areas, Hostile Environments, and Maritime Archaeology

Christopher Begley (Transylvania University and University of Kentucky Center for Virtual and Visual Environments) will be talking in the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at the Avenue Campus on 3D Imaging for Archaeology using Structured Light Technology: Developments in Systems for Remote Areas, Hostile Environments, and Maritime Archaeology.

Recent innovations in structured light scanning has allowed the development of a rugged, portable, weather and waterproof system for use in archaeological projects in any environment, including underwater. The system uses a diving light and a standard digital camera to record data that can be rendered in 3D at any time after data collection, eliminating the need for a computer in the field. Weighing in at around 7 pounds, this system can produce images at sub-millimeter accuracy. In tests in various contexts, from historic cemeteries to caves with ancient foot impressions to underwater archaeology, the potential uses of this technology for data collection and as a conservation tool are discussed.