Reconstructing a thule whalebone house using 3D imaging

In this article, the authors share with us an interesting use for the latest laser-scanning-based 3D imaging technology for reconstructing a thule whalebone house. All major components (such as date capturing, data modeling, display, and interaction) are covered to demonstrate how archaeological research can benefit from this new technology for the purposes of testing and education. Although this article focuses on building the skeletal models of a whale, it also provides a stepping-stone to the researchers, engineers, architects, and archaeologists who are interested in virtual reality. Interactive digital media is becoming one of the hot areas in the multimedia community, which aims to provide users with an immersive experience while consuming media.

[1]  Richard Levy,et al.  Reconstructing traditional Inuit house forms using three-dimensional interactive computer modelling , 2004 .

[2]  Stuart Griffin,et al.  Preserving the Past , 1968 .

[3]  E. R. Chamberlin,et al.  Preserving the past , 1979 .

[4]  Maarten Vergauwen,et al.  From a conservationist's point of view , 2001 .

[5]  Alonzo C. Addison,et al.  Emerging Trends in Virtual Heritage , 2000, IEEE Multim..

[6]  José Carlos Teixeira,et al.  Cultural Heritage in the Mature Era of Computer Graphics , 2000, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[7]  Sabry F. El-Hakim,et al.  Detailed 3D reconstruction of large-scale heritage sites with integrated techniques , 2004, IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications.

[8]  Robert McGhee,et al.  Canadian Arctic prehistory , 1978 .

[9]  Marc Levoy,et al.  The digital Michelangelo project: 3D scanning of large statues , 2000, SIGGRAPH.

[10]  M. S. Maxwell,et al.  Prehistory of the Eastern Arctic , 1985 .

[11]  Erik Champion,et al.  Applying game design theory to virtual heritage environments , 2003, GRAPHITE '03.

[12]  Paul E. Debevec,et al.  Digitizing the Parthenon: Estimating Surface Reflectance Properties of a Complex Scene under Captured Natural Illumination , 2004, VMV.

[13]  Maria Roussou,et al.  Reviving the past: cultural heritage meets virtual reality , 2001, VAST '01.

[14]  Alonzo C. Addison,et al.  Virtual heritage: technology in the service of culture , 2001, VAST '01.

[15]  Peter C. Dawson,et al.  Interpreting Variability in Thule Inuit Architecture: A Case Study from the Canadian High Arctic , 2001, American Antiquity.