3D imaging system for the digitization of the Argentine museums collections

Abstract

3D images are increasingly used in the documentation of Cultural Heritage. The Laboratory of Laser Ablation of the Centro de Investigaciones Ópticas, Argentina, is carrying out a 3D digitization project of the collections of the museums of the Province of Buenos Aires, by using digital photogrammetry. A system called Mu3D was developed, that uses free software for Structure from Motion and 3D image processing. A combination of three software systems has been chosen in order to achieve a 3D model with the same accuracy of the results obtained by laser scanning techniques. The system, including a protocol for image acquisition, is being transferred to the museums for free, by training their staff and providing them assistance for the development of digitization programs and conservation actions.