Virtual Design Analysis Group: Capturing History San Jose, "The History of Transportation"

Virtual Design Analysis Group is a division of NVentum, LLC.

-CAPTURING HISTORY-

This unique collaborative endeavor; to utilize the latest reality capture technology to document the artifacts, buildings and campus of History San Jose, provides opportunities for private sector, non-profits and institutions of higher education to work together to solve some of today's most pressing engineering issues. The protocol for retrofitting as-built historic facilities and the use of new technologies to preserve our most prized historic treasures are vital to the continued success and expanded influence of our museums.

This blog will document the challenges and successes of this ambitious, one of a kind project.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Capturing History San Jose, "The History of Transportation"

1917 Harley Davidson
HSJ Collection Center

The Digital Documentation of History San Jose's collection of unique and varied modes of transportation will require a combination of technologies to properly share our regional history. This will be one of the more challenging aspects of the project and one that I am really looking forward to.

The San Jose History Museum's collection of items range from one of a kind bicycles and scooters to antique autos and railroad engines.

Classic Excelsior

Fortunately, we have some experience with laser scanning difficult and/or unusual items. We've learned a lot through the trial and error method so I'm really excited about the opportunity to properly document these artifacts.

Antique automobiles, trolley cars, trains, horse and buggies, wagons, tractors, emergency response equipment or bicycles; each presents it's own set of challenges. Whether the problem is non-reflective paints and finishes or lots glass and chrome; whether the artifact is the size of a person or larger than a building, we have to be prepared to utilize the best possible documentation techniques to accomplish the task at hand.

Southern Pacific #1215
Courtesy History San Jose

While I'm really excited about the our ability to bring these artifacts out of the warehouse and online for everyone to view, it is important that we keep in mind the importance of properly documenting the historic items. It would be easy to put together some 3D scans, texture map it and package it as an exhibit. However, the records we are developing are the digital blueprints of the buildings and artifacts that we are charged with preserving for future generations; detailed and accurate documentation is critical to the success of the project.

In some instances the size and dimensions of the artifact(s) may influence the technology and documentation processes required for the job. Standard laser scanners are perfect for much of the work we have planned. However, smaller items require different techniques when creating a digital record. In those instances hand held laser scanners, 3D/HD cameras, standard laser scanners are all part of the equation. Some artifacts will require a combination of all the three technologies/techniques to properly document them.

Capturing HSJ is a multi-layered project with several steps and components. The most important element of the project is the gathering and processing of the data. The more thorough the data, the more options you have for post production.