In the @ and the , teams of talented experts are constantly evolving and working to advance the organization as a hub for innovation and technological advancement. Part of this effort includes learning how to use cutting edge technologies and how to apply them to libraries’-centric projects.
As a result, earlier this year, the Libraries hosted an event for faculty and graduate students titled: “ The workshop was led by Libraries’ experts including: Nick Gapp, Luka Starmer, Nick Grainger, Michael Wilson and Daniel Fergus.
The event took place in-person on the first floor of the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, inside the Dynamic Media Lab (MIKC 108). Many faculty and graduate students attended representing a wide range of disciplines and units including: Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Marketing, Business, School of Medicine, History, Journalism Media Innovation, Journalism graduate students, Jon Bilbao Basque Library, Business Librarian, Biology, Environmental Health and Safety (System Application Development), Entrepreneurial Development, College of Business Web Specialist, Latino Research Center, Geology, Physics, Communications Studies, Mathematics, ED/Chemistry, Neuroscience, as well as the University’s Digital Archivist.
During the event, Libraries faculty showcased cutting-edge 3D capture tools and techniques available to University faculty and graduate students, including 3D scanning technology, photogrammetry, lidar, 360° video and photography, and motion capture systems.
The first half of the event featured the team presenting on each topic, allowing researchers to skip ahead to ideation and inspiration.
The second half of the event featured hands-on and interactive opportunities, allowing attendees to walk away with firsthand 3D authoring experience.
Topics covered included:
- 3D scanning technology: Artec scanners are handheld devices that use light to capture the shape and texture of objects, creating detailed 3D models.
- Photogrammetry: This technique uses multiple photographs taken from different angles to reconstruct objects and environments in 3D. It can be done as simply as using an iPad or slightly more technically with a DSLR.
- Lidar: Lidar devices use lasers to measure distances and create precise 3D maps of objects and environments, often used for large-scale projects.
- 360° photo/video: These cameras captures a complete spherical view of a scene, allowing viewers to look in any direction.
- Motion capture: These systems track the movement of objects or people using sensors and markers, allowing for realistic animation and analysis of motion.
Jamie Kirkpatrick, a member of the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering attend the event and said, "Everything was extremely impressive in the workshop. I use 3D capture technologies to measure and quantify the shapes of the Earth's surface and also tectonic faults as a way to investigate processes occurring in the natural environment. I left with new and useful information.”
Over the last few years, the Libraries’ has been busy 3D scanning everything from to , creating digital records of these amazing places and objects. Follow this link to explore and discover .
The Libraries’ most important role is to share and demystify techniques used, while understanding the specialized technology available for use by faculty and students. With 3D authoring technology available at DeLaMare and the @One, the Libraries’ wants to motivate the campus community to bring 3D digitization into their own research. The same technologies the Libraries’ is using can be applied effectively to any discipline on campus, and our team of experts are here to pave the way for your own filaments of innovation.
Side note: 3D isn’t just for virtual reality headsets and video games. It’s for art; it’s for the scientific method; it’s for deep analysis; it’s for prototyping; it’s for preservation, and beyond. These objects can be 3D printed and viewed on a variety of devices, including phones and tablets, computers and TVs.
Interested in learning more about 3D scanning technology? Contact Luka Starmer, manager of Student Digital Media Technology, @One Digital Media and Technology Center, University Libraries.
ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ the University Libraries
The University Libraries embrace intellectual inquiry and innovation, nurture the production of new knowledge, and foster excellence in learning, teaching and research. During each academic year, the Libraries welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors across its network of four libraries: the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center, the DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library, the Savitt Medical Library and the Prim Library at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ at Lake Tahoe. Visitors checked-out more than 80,000 items and completed more than two million database searches.
