From Boatyard to Museum: 3D laser scanning and digital modelling of the Qatar Museums watercraft collection, Doha, Qatar. (16th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cooper, John P.; Wetherelt, Andrew; Zazzaro, Chiara; Eyre, Matthew
• Is Part Of: International journal of nautical archaeology. Volume 47:Number 2(2018:Sep.)
• Page Start: 419
• Page End: 442
• Publication Date: 2018-05-16
• Subjects: Qatar -- dhow -- 3D laser scanning -- 3D modelling -- museum -- boat recording; Underwater archaeology -- Periodicals; 930.102804
• DOI: 10.1111/1095-9270.12298
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-2414

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents the results of a project to 3D laser scan and digitally model 14 watercraft from the Qatar Museums collection, comprising a range of regional vessels: most had not been surveyed previously. The project used the resulting point clouds generated 2D naval lines and orthographic records of the vessels in their current condition, and photorealistic 3D digital models for gallery display. This case study provides illustrative examples of the intermediate stages and final outputs. It assesses the pros and cons of 3D laser scanning as a survey technology for nautical scholars in terms of the time, cost, and skillset, as well as logistical considerations. It also compares the accuracy of traditional hand survey methods.