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The University of Southampton
µ-VIS: Multidisciplinary, Multiscale, Microtomographic Volume Imaging

Computed Tomography Scanning vs Handheld Laser Scanning of Archaeological Artefacts

Raimundo Garcia-Figueras Mateos

Surface mesh reconstruction from CT images
Surface mesh reconstruction from CT images

Background

This report studied the potential for handheld laser scanning technology to supplant CT scanning in the generation of 3D digital models of archaeological artefacts. The 3D models of archaeological artefacts are valuable in a number of ways; from artefact preservation, to increasing outreach, to enabling analytical computational research.

Role of Computed Tomography 

The computed tomography scanner available at µ-VIS was used to fully scan a preserved femur dated to the 2nd – 3rd centuries. This artefact was scanned with both CT and handheld laser scanners to allow for an accurate comparison between the two imaging methods. The data acquired by the micro-CT was reconstructed into a 3D model of the femur. This model was used to generate a final high-resolution surface mesh which was quantitively and qualitatively compared to the meshes outputted by the handheld scanners.

Acknowledgements

This project would have not been successful without the support of a number of individuals, namely Professor Martin Browne, Dr Alex Dickinson, Dr Orestis L Katsamenis, and Dr Sonia Zakrzewski.

 

Figures - Example of radiographs acquired during CT scanning for lowest section.

Figure 2
Example of radiographs acquired during CT scanning for lowest section
Figure 2
Example of radiographs acquired during CT scanning for lowest section
Figure 2
Example of radiographs acquired during CT scanning for lowest section
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