Attempting to model an object compared to simply viewing one in an exhibition provides for a far more interactive, yet not as detailed experience. In nearly every exhibit, there is no option to freely manipulate and move an artifact, examining the underside, top, or even inside of the artifact. In fact, most exhibits don’t even allow you to get somewhat close to the artifact let alone freely rotate it. However, the experience is not nearly as detailed as the real artifact itself. Though 3d modeling software has made massive strides, most 3d modeled artifacts seem to still lack complete detail, or the rendering of the object is imperfect in certain areas (i.e blurry cracks in a dish).
This is why I believe 3d modeling in the process of photogrammetry is so important. It encourages the close looking and details that you might have otherwise ignored in a museum or exhibit. With the features, you can zoom in on certain details, change the lighting around the object, and much more, allowing the viewer to have complete viewing access.
The process of photogrammetry personally makes me more curious about individual artifacts and even their history surrounding the objects as well. Being able to fully view an artifact with the special features like zooming and lighting allow me to inspect minor details in artifacts that I wouldn’t have seen elsewhere like a museum. For instance, after inspecting the 3d model of Buzz Aldrin’s astronaut suit, I was intrigued on how they have changed over the years, sparking my interest and encouraging me to see how improvements have been made to the suits. Minor details like the ones I saw in Buzz Aldrin’s suit sparked an interest that I wouldn’t have been able to develop in a museum display of the suit, as I wouldn’t be able to get very close to the details and observe them.
With me embarking on this challenge of 3d modeling my own artifact, I’m always thinking about making sure I expose as many details of the artifact as possible. For instance, I tried to take plenty of pictures to ensure that every minor detail such as particular carving patterns, color, and more was captured in the modeling process. These details may not only intrigue an observer to investigate the artifact, but it may also better tell the story of the culture responsible for producing this artifact.
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I definitely agree that this was a very cool experience and makes me want to learn more about these artifacts. Being able to get much closer to the artifact than allowed in typical museums as well as seeing a lot of the different markings on it was fascinating. I also agree that as interesting as the 3d modeling software is, it still is not match for the amount of detail you see in person.