Services/Heritage Digitization
High-Fidelity 3D Scanning for Museums, Galleries, and Private Collections.
Preserving history requires a delicate balance of technical precision and aesthetic sensitivity. We provide 3D capture for collections at our Montreal studio in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, near Berri and Duluth, or on-site. Capture methods are selected for the object and intended use, from research and documentation to digital access.
Gaussian Splatting for Collection Objects
Photogrammetry and mesh-based workflows represent objects as geometry and surface textures. Gaussian Splatting represents captured scenes using 3D Gaussian primitives, which can preserve some appearance details that are difficult to represent in a conventional mesh. Results depend on the material, capture setup, lighting, and intended use, but this technology now makes it possible to digitize materials that were previously considered "impossible" for 3D.
It may be suitable for documenting the appearance of:
- Reflective or refractive surfaces: Such as polished metal, glazed ceramics, and even glassware that would typically "break" a standard laser scan.
- Fine surface details: Such as textile fibers, frayed rope, feathers, and hair.
- Thin or translucent structures: Such as delicate lace, insect wings, and parchment.
- Complex lighting: The captured appearance of reflections and highlights on objects such as gemstones or marble.
Capture Methods for Conservation and Research
We understand that every artifact is unique and that each object has different handling, lighting, and documentation requirements. Our workflow is designed to meet the rigorous standards of cultural institutions, ensuring that the digital surrogate is as faithful as possible to the physical original.
Our Approaches
- Macro Photogrammetry: For small objects such as coins, jewelry, and fossils where surface detail is important.
- Large-Scale Capture: For statuary, architectural details, or entire gallery spaces.
- 200-Camera Array: A synchronized multi-camera setup for capturing an object from multiple angles in a short exposure. It may be useful for objects that could move during a longer capture.
- Gaussian Splatting (3DGS): A scene representation that can retain captured appearance details, including some fine edges, transparency, and reflections that can be difficult to represent with traditional polygon meshes.
Service Applications
1. Research and Analysis
Create 3D meshes that can support dimensional and surface analysis. Metrology use requires an appropriate calibrated capture workflow and validation for the measurements being taken.
2. Virtual Exhibitions and AR/VR
Prepare 3D assets for online collections and immersive experiences. Models can be optimized for the target platform, including mobile devices.
3. Restoration and 3D Printing
Use scans as reference data for restoration planning, replacement parts, or replicas. Scale and geometry should be checked against the physical object before fabrication.
4. Conservation Documentation
On-Site or In-Studio
The capture location depends on the project's condition, transport, requirements, and the collection's handling and insurance protocols.
At our Montreal studio: Portable objects can be captured in a controlled setting using the synchronized 200-camera rig. Our studio is near the intersection of Berri and Duluth.
On site: We can bring equipment to archives, galleries, historical sites, and other locations. Capturing objects on site can avoid transporting them, subject to the site's environmental and operational requirements.
Capture with limited handling
Traditional 3D scanning often requires an object to be handled, rotated, or exposed to high-intensity "hot lights" for 30 to 60 minutes. A multi-camera array can capture multiple angles in one synchronized capture without rotating the object. The object must still be positioned and prepared according to the agreed handling protocol.
Our synchronized 200-camera array changes the safety profile of digitization:
- Stationary capture: The object remains in place during the scanning process. There is no need to flip or rotate fragile items to capture multiple angles.
- Synchronized flash: A short flash exposure can reduce the time the object is exposed to capture lighting. The stated flash duration is 1/10,000 second and should be confirmed for the selected setup.
- Short capture window: A rapid capture reduces the time an object spends outside storage.