Development of a large-scale 3D digitizing system for cultural heritage documentation

This paper proposes a large-scale three dimensionals(3D) shape acquiring and digitizing system for cultural heritage documentation by combining close range photogrammetry and structured light scan techniques. A close range photogrammetry software package named `XJTUDP' was developed to capture the global reference points, a structured light scan device named `XJTUOM' was constructed to sample and pre-process the detail shape data in local areas. Their operation principles is introduced, the process of raw data acquisition and data post-processing are presented. A 4m high ancient stele of over 1200 years old located in Xian, China is measured and modeled to test the availability and reliability of the proposed system. Experiment results indicate that the proposed system is suitable for documenting such antiques, at an accuracy of 0.112mm within 4m volume. The proposed 3D digitizing system is capable of recording the 3D shape of large artworks full of local details, without any physical impact on antiques.