Sustainable archaeology through progressive assembly 3D digitization

AbstractThree-dimensional object scanning for both diagnostic and collection management has become more accepted within archaeological research over the last few years. However, the ability to scan vast numbers of cultural artefacts effectively has been stunted by the lack of technical expertise, cost of both hardware and software tools, and access to full collections. This article examines the issues related to mass scanning techniques and their potential effectiveness to enable research on and access to extensive archaeological collections. It attempts to lay the groundwork for sustainable and effective scanning methodologies within multiple contexts of practice, including cultural resource management and collections management facilities.Keywords: 3D scanningstructured light scanner3D visualizationcultural resource management AcknowledgementsSustainable Archaeology and Museum of Ontario Archaeology staff, particularly Christine Saly, Kira Westby, Dr Rhonda Bathurst and Zoe Morris, were a huge support to the project, as were Thomas Tong and Kai Wong at 3D3 Solutions.FundingThis project was funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Research Fund, Ontario Ministry of Culture, Sport and Recreation Museum Technology Fund, a graduate student Accelerate Internship program supported by MITACS, and a partnership with theskonkworks incorporated.Notes1 In a separate part of the SA facility are three 2D photography light-box stations where higher-resolution, 16-megapixel DSLRs generate high-quality images of all objects entering SA.Additional informationNotes on contributorsNamir AhmedNamir Ahmed, MA candidate, Western University, is the Sustainable Archaeology Animation Unit Project Coordinator.Michael CarterMichael Carter, PhD candidate, Western University, is the Program Coordinator – Digital Specialization Program, Digital Media Zone and Masters in Digital Media Program, Ryerson University.Neal FerrisNeal Ferris, Lawson Chair of Canadian Archaeology, Western University and Museum of Ontario Archaeology, is the Principal Investigator for Sustainable Archaeology.