3D Object Photogrammetry

Digital 3D models of objects offer a truly interactive way to make your collections more accessible to audiences, both online and in-gallery and beyond!

3D models allow your visitors to get behind the glass case and to see your precious collections in rich detail. 3D models
can be manipulated, turned over and pored over in all their zoomed-in glory.
3D models can be used in collections browsers, gallery interactives, games and much more! They can even be printed in
3D, opening up the possibility for highly accurate replicas, or accessible replicas for handling sessions in and outside the
museum itself. Print cheap 3D replicas for schools sessions and wider public outreach

Our service uses a method called photogrammetry where we use specialist equipment to take hundreds of photographs of each object from multiple angles.

The photographs are processed by a computer program which analyses and triangulates the object's features in each image before constructing a model based on the calculations made. The program also uses the detail captured in each photograph to create a mesh and texture over the model to replicate the object's surface.

We use a sophisticated robot to capture the images in high-resolution. The robot calculates how many photographs are required before moving the camera to each new position to capture the shot. The object is placed on a turntable, which the robot controls precisely to move the object to the right position for the photograph.

The safety of the object is our key concern. The robot and turntable move at a speed determined by the operator, so gentle movements ensure that the object is stable and secure during the process. Safe working distances can also be specified by the operator to ensure that the robot cannot get too close to the object and risk its safety.

These images are then combined in software to generate a 3D digital model

A range of objects can be captured with our equipment ranging in size from a match box to a dining chair or a costume on a mannequin.

Objects of complex shape and glossy, featureless objects can be very difficult to capture precisely. We use LED lights and diffusion panels to soften and flatten the lighting to remove as many reflections as possible.

We also use conservation-grade dulling spray in extreme cases, if the customer permits. These sprays contain cyclododecane, used in conservation to buffer repairs to paper and to support objects temporarily in transit.
The spray dulls the surface of shiny objects for a short time, sublimating in a few hours and leaving behind no residue

Our free of charge consultancy offers you the opportunity to be visited by a digitisation specialist who can discuss your aims and objectives for the future. They will review your current collections and help you set out a plan to turn your originals into a digital archive, using the most suitable digital capture techniques and the ideal delivery platform, with no commitment to use our services or purchase equipment.