Scanning the Horizon and More

Three-dimensions are the rage in this fall’s movie line-up. They’re also increasingly important in historical, archeological and paleontological research, as we’ve seen in three prior blenders at Santa Fe Complex. We continue our series on Stereo-Computational Photography with an in-depth look at 3D laser scanning in modern research.

Our look includes demonstration courtesy of Faro Technologies, a global leader in 3D scanning technology, and discussions on the use of 3D scanning for preservation. The blender will continue on Wednesday with follow-up work at the Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos and the ArtsLab at UNM. The blender begins at 6:00 at Santa Fe Complex, 632 Agua Fria St. (Parking via Romero Street.) A $5.00 donation is encouraged.

Ralph Chapman (formerly of the Smithsonian and the Idaho Virtualization Laboratories) will  introduce the speakers and say a few words about his own use of laser scanning in paleontology and virtualization of artifacts. Wednesday night’s speakers include:

• Paul Oberle of FARO Technologies who will demonstrate the use of their Photon 80/20 scanner including a presentation of a scan he will be taking at the Palace of the Governors earlier in the day.
• Tom Pederson, a local GIS expert, will describe his use of laser scanning technology for historical preservation.
• Tim Thomas (UNM/HPC) and Catherine Baudoin (Maxwell Museum) will speak briefly about their work in distributed digital archives for virtualized cultural artifacts.
• Patrick French will discuss the creation of 3D models of objects from photographs using readily available software.

The 3D work will continue on Thursday in Los Alamos and Albuquerque. From 10:00 am to noon, the discussion will continue at Fuller Lodge with archivists and preservationists from Los Alamos Historic Preservation Societyand the LANL museum

The discussion continues with a demonstration of 3D scanning for staff at the UNM ARTS Lab in Albuquerque followed by a discussion with Kevin Cain, director of InsightDigital, the Institute for the Study and Integration of Graphical Heritage Techniques. Cain is collaborating with UNM and others on the Maya Skies project.

For more information, please contact Steve Smith or call 505/920.0252.