Using 3D Graphics to Record and Interpret Artifacts

Stone Lifter - Creating a 3D Model From an Artifact

Stone Lifter

The stone lifter, shown above, was modelled from a real artifact. However, it was in a poor state of repair. Some remediation had been attempted. But rot had gotten into the wooden axles where the wheels were mounted. The artifact was not only in poor condition, but some parts had been removed and left nearby. So creating a 3D model of the stone lifter involved an element of conservation as well as documentation. Interpretation was also involved.

The stone lifter was photographed and line drawings prepared from the photographs. Then measurements were made of the actual artifact and entered on the drawings. These measured drawings were used to create a digital 3D model of the stone lifter in Amapi. The 3D model was imported into Bryce and rendered. The rendering was cleaned up in Adobe Photoshop.

The ability to remove obstructing parts to get a clear view of things is a real advantage to using 3D graphics software. Animating a digital artifact provides insight into how it operated or was used.

Of course the process described above was not so linear. It was far more iterative, with many return visits to the artifact. Not only did this fill in valuable details, but it provided insight into how the stone lifter was constructed.

Segwun - Creating a Digital 3D Model From Plans

Steamship Segwun - Final Version - From 1948 to the Present

In the case of the steamship Segwun, you have an artifact as well as a complete set of plans. These drawings were completed by a naval architect during the late 1970s in the restoration of the Segwun. These drawings represent the final version of the Segwun from 1948 to the present. However, in the last 125 years, the Segwun has gone through many changes. The above rendering of the profile of the port side of the Segwun represents an accurate representation. But what if you wanted to create a profile of the Segwun in 1887 when she was first launched into Lake Muskoka as the Nipissing II?

Nipissing II  - Using Historic Photographs in Interpretation

Nipissing II - Launched 1887 at Gravenhurst - Conceptual Rendering

There are photographs of the Nipissing II. However, some are not very clear, while others show obvious distortion. The iron hull, at least up to the main deck, and the decks themselves are a constant. However, in almost all other respects, the two ships were very different.

A photograph of the Nipissing II, circa 1888, was used to create overlays that were place over the Segwun graphic. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator were used to do this. The rendering shown above can not be considered 100% accurate. It is a conceptual rendering based on the best evidence available. The gold standard would be a rendering made from a digital 3D model, created from the actual plans from that period. Unfortunately, you have to work with what you have.