3D Documentation of Heritage Artefacts: Introduction to Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is a photography-based 3D imaging technique for documenting a variety of objects. From archaeological finds and intricately carved stonework to works of art or large-scale collections.

By combining the data from many images of the object, photogrammetry produces a digital 3D model of it.

Marta Pilarska (@M_Pilarska), digital heritage specialist at the Scottish Maritime Museum (@Scotmaritime), will introduce course participants to methods of 3D digital documentation of historic objects, encouraging them to explore 3D documentation techniques. The session will cover basic data capture procedures and processing workflows enabling delivery of digital 3D models. The course will aim to create an understanding of the requirements, capabilities and limitations of the technology.

The Photogrammetry training course will show the possibilities of 3D documentation for a range of objects and materials. We will discuss what types of materials lend themselves well to photogrammetry and which present more challenges.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their cameras/mobile phones and laptops with the photogrammetry software pre-installed. The installation instructions along with download packages can be found on the software manufacturer’s website: https://www.capturingreality.com/RealityCapture-PPI.

During the session, we will be able to capture one dataset in a studio setup, however, attendees will also be encouraged to capture their datasets while in the museum. This will allow everyone to work with a unique set of images and will enable the creation of a broader understanding of technical requirements and workflows.

The course is aimed at museum and heritage professionals and conservators, but everyone interested in photogrammetry is welcome.

Marta Pilarska is an objects conservator and has been working as a 3D Digitisation Project Manager at the Scottish Maritime Museum. Her professional interests focus on exploring how digital technologies combined with conservation science can aid heritage preservation.

Please note that lunch is not included in the fee.