Thanks to the National Park Service and companies Autodesk Inc. and R2Sonic, a big part of WWII history is going to be better preserved regarding the naval vessels USS Utah and Arizona that still lie at Pearl Harbor.
The two ships were the first to be destroyed by torpedoes and bombs delivered by the Japanese Empire’s aerial attack. To honor those lives lost, the two ships have been preserved for posterity, however time and the elements are taking their toll regarding deterioration. To find out how much deterioration is present and will occur, the two forces are using 3D scanning, a new innovation on a large scale to scan both ships and their debris fields so they can better see what shape the ships are in and to use as a guideline for future study on their deterioration.
Using this technology, the researchers can now determine what damage time and the elements have done and what to expect in the future. Stunning 3D imaging can now be viewed by the researchers so they can detail what repairs the ships may need or how to shore up the environment around them to prevent further deterioration.
What this application of 3D scanning technology means is that other monuments and places of interest may also be scanned and their environments too. That would allow for engineers and preservationists to be able to map out plans to preserver and expand if necessary the monuments and where they sit. Architects can then design supportive structures and workers can plan on how they design repair and how to carry them out.
Historic objects like these two ships, can now be 3D scanned and then teams can do their due diligence to engineer preservation techniques. Just think of the thousands upon thousands of municipalities that have historical structures from statues to vehicles to entire buildings. Places that mean much to the citizens and to much needed tourism revenue. Using 3D mapping to help preserve and repair these spots means less money rehabilitating them and more revenue and historical pride for all.
In addition, new monuments and structures can be 3D scanned so that they can be manufactured easily and more durable. This allows for future restoration duties to be able to simply access the 3D software and examine how the objects were designed, engineered and constructed. Making replacement parts, cleaning, will be far easier and cut the cost of maintenance.
Image credit: hawaiinewsnow.com