CAPTURING THE PAST AND PRESENT: TOOLS AND METHODOLOGIES FOR 3D MODELING OF SMALL OBJECTS

Emerging technologies in hardware and software in the field of laser scanning are creating new horizons in 3d modeling of artifacts. We are now capable of producing accurate models with hundreds of thousands triangles and photorealistic textures, so a new question arises, what is the optimum number of triangles and also the best tool to use for the production of these 3d models. Another aspect is how we can make these models available with the usage of free viewers which have the ability to handle large numbers of triangles and also have the capability for basic measurements and different representations of the model. The selection of the appropriate method for the 3d modelling and the representation lies in the complexity of the object, and the accuracy of the final model we want. In our study we present models of different small objects, either archaeological artifacts, or exhibits of modern art. These models were created using different techniques, photogrammetry and laser scanning. Depending on the modelled object we used different laser scanners, which we thought were appropriate for the task depending on the complexity and the size of the modelled object. Although a fine model was initially produced for each object, the final model was generalized to fit the needs at hand. The purpose of this paper is to present different methodologies for the creation of such 3d models, and propose a guideline for the usage of the appropriate methods and tools for the production of the model and also for its representation. In order to facilitate our methods we are giving examples of modelled objects, and we describe the methodology for their creation.