2013 UPDATE ON THE 3D TECHNOLOGY SIDE OF OGHAM IN 3D

by Gary Devlin and Nora White

In 2013 the Discovery Programme purchased a new Artec EVA 3d scanner (more info here:

http://www.artec3d.com/hardware/artec-eva/specifications/), primarily for use on the Ogham in 3D

project. The Artec allows for ogham stone data to be gathered faster in the field than the formerly

used Cobra FastSCAN, while also achieving a cleaner pointcloud dataset. An added benefit to using

the Artec is its ability to generate texture or colour, which can enhance the presentation of the

processed model.

Above: Artec EVA field work set up at Lugnagappul, Co. Kerry

Below: Untextured and textured models of ogham stone at Emlagh East, Co. Kerry scanned using Artec EVA

Also tested this year for ogham recording was a technique called Structure from Motion (SfM),

which uses photographs to generate 3d models. 'SfM finds the three-dimensional structure of a

subject by analyzing the projected 2D motion field created by a sequential change of position of the

camera sensor relative to the subject'

(http://culturalheritageimaging.org/Technologies/Photogrammetry/).

This technique could prove useful for future recording of ogham stones as, in some cases, it can

facilitate detailed recording without the use of laser scanning technology. As there are limits to the

conditions in which laser scanning can be carried out, SfM could become a back-up method for

capturing 3d data in certain cases. A digital camera and the processing software are the only

equipment required for this method.

3d model of ogham stone at Kilcolman church site, Maumanorig, Co. Kerry generated using Structure from Motion