| The primary benefit of laser scanning-also referred to | | | | focuses on preserving/conserving important works for |
| as laser surveying-is its ability to gather precise data | | | | future generations. By recording the physical data of |
| from objects and environments, which can be used to | | | | artistic objects and structures digitally, art and |
| carry out a variety of procedures and applications, | | | | archeological conservationists can use it as a template |
| from examining manufactured parts for warping to | | | | for restoring damaged objects and structures, as well |
| creating animations of how the components of a | | | | as for determining how a conservation project should |
| machine would work. Ultimately, most 3D laser | | | | take place in relation to a large object or structure's |
| scanning applications center around design in one way | | | | surrounding objects and/or terrain. |
| or another, which explains why 3D scanning is | | | | Restoration and Reconstruction |
| commonly associated with engineering and | | | | When a comprehensive scan is taken of historical |
| manufacturing. But 3D laser scanning also has a place | | | | objects or structures, its primary function is usually to |
| in areas that have little if any connection with the | | | | serve as a map for restoration if the object or |
| engineering and manufacturing industries, one of which | | | | structure deteriorates or is suddenly damaged. An |
| is art and archaeology. Below, we list and describe | | | | example of laser surveying used in this capacity can |
| some of the ways that scanning is currently being | | | | be seen in the recent scanning of the Mount |
| used in art and archaeology. | | | | Rushmore sculpture and the terrain of the park below |
| Archiving | | | | the sculpture. As erosion gradually compromises the |
| Archiving sculptures, monuments and structures can | | | | sculpture, conservationists can continually restore it to |
| be done in a variety of ways, the most common of | | | | its original form without guesswork. |
| which is through photography and/or 2D drawings that | | | | Duplication and Reproduction |
| chronicle data according to older surveying methods. | | | | In addition to restoring and reconstructing historical |
| But laser surveying allows historical objects and | | | | objects and structures, a comprehensive scan of their |
| structures to be archived in the form of detailed digital | | | | data may also be used to reproduce them, particularly |
| images that also contain precise information about the | | | | for offering the experience of viewing great sculptures |
| physical data of a subject. Most scanning images are | | | | to people worldwide. For example, large copies of |
| viewed in black and white or with color-coding for | | | | Michelangelo's David have been reproduced to offer |
| design purposes. But they can also contain true color. | | | | more people the chance to view firsthand one of the |
| Digital Conservation | | | | world's greatest statues. |
| Digital conservation is akin to art conservation, which | | | | |