Museums pride themselves on documenting and organizing artwork and artifacts. However, much of this work is done by hand and by snapping photographs. Recently, 3D scanning technology has been utilized to create three-dimensional models of objects in various collections to create permanent copies of their every little detail. This will be fantastic for historians, scientists, archeologists, and others looking to study these artifacts without having to actually go to the museum and view the items in person.
But there’s more to it than that. There’s even speculation that 3D scanning could change how museums work for the long haul. They could effectively scan and reproduce models of some of their most famous exhibits, sell them, and make an income. They’d no longer have to rely on philanthropists to sustain themselves.
This technology is being used currently at the Smithsonian. The Washington, D.C. museum is creating three-dimensional models of areas within the museum as well as objects currently on display. The institute’s 3D Lab recently worked with the curators to scan the entire Dinosaur Hall and many fossils contained within it. This will be used following a 2014 renovation to the Hall so as to restore the layout and display configuration to its exact previous design.