3D scanning in archaeology

Special exhibition in the Keltenwelt

until 31 October 2021

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Transforming real things into digital data - this is the essence of 3D scanning. Objects and spaces are already being visualised in three dimensions in many areas of science and technology. Archaeology is also increasingly relying on this technology - and so are we at the Keltenwelt am Glauberg. Our new special exhibition is therefore dedicated to this new and highly exciting method.

What’s the reason, what’s the cause, why is that?

3D scanning – these are the advantages for archaeology:

  • Documentation of archaeological finds
  • Possibility of diverse reproduction and worldwide distribution of the generated data
  • Data retention if the original is lost
  • Virtual assessment and interpretation of archaeological finds
  • Visualization of details such as decorations
  • Animation of how it works
  • Computer-aided reconstruction of finds
  • Production of replicas in various scales as 3D printing

In cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research, among others, the Keltenwelt am Glauberg is implementing a programme to digitise its archaeological inventory and to preserve the unique finds and make them accessible for many people to experience and explore. Some of the numerous applications are presented in the special exhibition and here.

Video:
The path from the find to the 3D model based on the garment clasp from the grave of the “Celtic prince of Glauberg”

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS!

Archaeological finds are usually very fragile. Thanks to three-dimensional computer models, a find can be made comprehensible. This also makes it possible to visualise how it works.

The example shows the ingenious clasp of the golden neck ring from the grave of the "Celtic prince of the Glauberg". The locking system allowed the necklace to be put on and taken off without assistance.

Video:
Functionality of the golden neck ring from the grave of the "Celtic prince of the Glauberg"

VIEWED FROM ALL SIDES

3D scanning allows archaeological finds to be viewed in detail even without holding them in your own hands. Virtual models of (fragile) original artefacts can be rotated as desired and examined from all sides. It is also possible to view them anywhere in the world, as here on our website.

Scientists are not the only ones who can access a type of visualisation that reveals far more information than just two-dimensional images. Of course, the object can be viewed particularly impressively on a 3D screen and moved using gesture control. This is possible in our special exhibition.

The tubular jug from Grave 2 freely rotatable as a 3D model

The jug from the Glauberg ruler's tomb 2, made of thin sheet bronze, is extremely fragile. Thanks to the virtual representation of its 3D data, the shape of the jug and its sculptural decorative elements can be captured in a particularly impressive way.

ALWAYS PROPORTIONALLY CORRECT!

Capturing objects using 3D scanning allows them to be reproduced at a wide variety of scales. Whether in reduced or enlarged form, the relations are always correct thanks to the digital surface capture. Together with a 3D printer, it is possible to produce true-to-scale models of archaeological finds in all sizes and in the same colours as the original.

Same breastplate, different sizes: our museum has two figures wearing a breastplate based on an ancient model. At a height of almost 70 centimetres, the armour on the stone statue of the "Celtic prince" is hard to miss. However, the warrior, who is only a few centimetres tall in the original, is also armoured in this way. He is sitting cross-legged on the edge of the bronze jug that was discovered in the grave of the "Celtic prince of the Glauberg". Thanks to 3D technology, the scales can be adjusted and both armour representations displayed at the same size. This option is very valuable for scientific analyses.

Photo: The 1.86 m tall statue and the only 4.2 cm tall figure of the warrior are shown in the same size.

Fuerstenfiguren-SA

TURN OLD INTO GREAT…

Intricate objects with complicated motifs are a challenge for the eye. It is difficult to grasp and decipher all the details on small artefacts. If vision is completely absent or severely impaired, there is hardly any possibility of making contact with the artefact. This is where oversized models from 3D printers come to the rescue. They are a valuable tool for viewing and touching in museum education work.

The 8:1 scale model of the richly decorated garment clasp from the grave of the "Celtic prince of Glauberg" (grave 1) makes it easier to recognise the motifs depicted on it. However, the 3D printout does not provide a conclusive interpretation of the depictions. Here you still have to rely on the expertise of archaeologists. Or you can simply form your own opinion!

Fibeln-SA

Photo: The garment clasp from Tomb 1 as a 3D print, once in true colour in original size and once as a greyscale model enlarged 8 times.

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