MCN2015

Photogrammetry refers to the practice of deriving 3D measurements from photographs.

Recent technological advances in digital cameras, computer processors, and computational techniques, such as sub-pixel image matching, make photogrammetry a portable and powerful technique. It yields extremely dense and accurate 3D surface data. It can be generated using a sequence of photos and captured with standard digital photography equipment, in a relatively short period of time.

The purpose of this session is to present practical information about the use of photogrammetry for 3D capture of museum objects. There is increasing interest in collecting 3D data about museum material to meet a variety of objectives including monitoring changes to objects over time, comparing similar objects, documentation of installations, measurement of features in an object or series of objects, 3D printing of replicas for exhibition or sale, public engagement, and many more uses.

This full panel proposal includes four presenters (see below). Three are working with museum collections and are experienced applying photogrammetry in their institutions. They will each present short case studies (8-9 minute) about current projects. The fourth presenter is an imaging specialist with experience across a broad range of photographic based capture techniques for scientific documentation of cultural material. She will present for ~20 minutes on the current state of practice, along with information about equipment needed, software options, some basic tips for getting started, and will also touch on metadata and archiving. ~15 minutes will be reserved for discussion.

The panelists:
Carla Schroer, Founder & Director, Cultural Heritage Imaging
Rich House, Senior Photographer, Yale Art Gallery
Dale Kronkright, Head Conservator, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
E. Keats Webb, Imaging Specialist, Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian Institution