Empowering Undergrads in 3D Digital Imaging

Abstract

The chapter describes a university course taught for undergraduates to learn 3D digital imaging in the DIVA Lab. The NextEngine 3D scanner is used for a series of labs on different archaeological materials, including pottery, chert, bone, and wood. Students scan artifacts and learn about them in readings. The article describes how to use the NextEngine to scan, trim, fuse, and save files in various formats, including stl, wrl, obj that are used in other softwares and for 3D printing. Emphasis is on research quality 3D scans, but scans for teaching and display purposes with less precision are discussed. Learning how to prepare 3D scans for 3D printing is incorporated in each lesson. Students observe 3D printing in the DIVA lab and sometimes 3D printing is incorporated into the course, depending on 3D printing supplies. The open source software Meshlab is used for measuring, decimating, and manipulating 3D scans. Students post 3D scans to Sketchfab and share them on wix web sites that they each create. Students post blog updates on their individual projects in which they 3D image ancient Maya ocarinas. Applications of 3D imaging in the Maya area are discussed, including 3D printed replicas of artifacts in exhibits.