| 3D scanning and printing has emerged into the 21st century as a tool to digital heritage for both preserving and disseminating cultural heritage for the benefit of humankind. 3D technologies have allowed for the production of three dimensional digital artifacts that can be physically printed and developed into virtual education and research modules. This thesis represents research on the current field of digital heritage, exploring the use of 3D technologies for the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage in the form of archaeological sites and objects in museums. It shows how digital 3D technology and 3D printing has given archaeologists and museums new tools for research and education. It shows the methods and processes of data collection done by the author as part of the Cravens Virtual Museum Project which delivered 38 finished 3D models. The digitalization of the Cravens Collection shows how 3D models are the basis for a new way to digitally document the museum exhibitions, and show that through a relatively easy process of artifact data collection and processing, there can be a digital 3D catalogue of objects made publicly accessible online. The digital models were used for educational and outreach opportunities at the University at Buffalo's Art Galleries in three main ways: 3D printing, online websites, and virtual/augmented reality. Similar case studies in each of these ways are presented, as well as compared to the ways they were used as part of the Cravens Virtual Museum Project. This thesis shows that 3D technologies provide a better form of documentation of museum objects, can provide access to museum collections to anyone anywhere, and can be elaborated on to form educational tools that engage audiences and foster interest into archaeology and anthropology. |
