The issue of digitizing of historical heritage on the example of selected historical clocks

Abstract

The digitization of cultural heritage is a topic that is currently being addressed by a large number of institutions around the world. Issues related to the digitization of historical objects and monuments focus not only on their protection, but also on the presentation of cultural heritage. These are addressed in memorial institutions, but also in universities, schools and, last but not least, in the public and the private sector. However, digitizing objects can present a number of problems. These range from the selection of objects for digitization, through to the selection of a suitable method or scanner. And then there’s the 3D digitization itself to the final modification of the model and its storage. All of this is even before consideration of the possibility of its publication, so it is understandable that it is a long and difficult path. The whole process often does not go without interfering with the digitization in a specific program designed for 3D modelling and hence the need to re-scan objects or their parts or indeed having to try more digitization methods on the object. Sometimes we can find out that 3D scanning for a given object is not a suitable method and try to solve the situation differently – from a mere photograph to photogrammetry or the use of a special RTI method of digitization. The aim therefore of the article is to describe the basic issues and possibilities of 3D digitization of selected smaller artefacts using the example of the digitization of historical clocks. It will also describe the possibilities of 3D digitization, which can serve not only to protect and save but also promote cultural heritage. Last but not least, the aim is to describe and evaluate the methods, procedures and the directly selected 3D tools intended for 3D digitization, which have proven themselves in scanning a selected collection of clocks, borrowed with the kind permission of the Náchod Museum.