Abstract:

The shell fossils guarded at the Paleontological, Archaeological and Historical Museum Mayor Bertoldo Jacobsen, located in Taió - SC are sources of knowledge and stand out in two aspects that make them special: their size which exceeds five centimeters, and the amount found by rock. These fossils are used to aid in the history teaching process in local municipal schools, although they are dated between 250 and 280 million years, few studies have been conducted about them. This paper aims to present the methodological procedures employed in the 3D scan of these fossils using the photogrammetry technique, comparing results between images acquired in low and high resolution equipment and their feasibility in the application throughout the full museum collection. The resulting 3D models will be used as an educational resource, to aid research, to create a digital repository and to promote the museum.

The fossil images were acquired using a DSLR (high definition) camera and a low-end smartphone (low definition), and with the aid of a portable studio and a ring light for even light distribution as well as a turntable. The 3D models were generated using an software that generates a three-dimensional mesh and a color map from two-dimensional images. This map is then applied to the mesh, thus generating a 3D object that is true to the original in both shape and color. These processes result in two models, one in high resolution that will be used for research, video production and archiving, and one in low resolution that can be made virtually available for universal access.

In addition to boosting research, it is hoped that this work will assist in preserving the original pieces, as their handling can be considerably reduced, being done only when the information contained in the 3D model is not sufficient (as in the case of a dating study, for example). It also intends to expand the possibilities of access to the public since people who would not be able to physically travel to the museum, will be able to know their collection through digital means.

Keywords:

3D Scan, close range photogrammetry, museum.