Heritage preservation involves the protection, conservation, and maintenance of cultural elements passed down over time—such as historic buildings, monuments, artifacts, clothing, tools, cultural landscapes, and traditional practices. It’s a way to safeguard history and culture, detailing how people lived and the traditions that shaped their lives.

Traditionally, heritage preservation relied heavily on paper archives—such as sketches, drawings, photographs, and written records. 3D scanning is emerging as a powerful tool for documenting artifacts, introducing new possibilities for observing, studying, and analyzing the past like never before.

How do 3D scanners work?

A 3D scanner captures a physical object into a realistic 3D representation on the computer—known as a 3D model or a digital twin. This technology enables the creation of accurate digital records, ensuring our cultural heritage remains accessible and preserved for future generations to study and learn—anytime, anywhere.

1. Acquiring Data from Real-Life Objects

A 3D scanner captures detailed images of an artifact’s surface to measure its dimensions and shape. This data is processed by a 3D scanning software (using advanced algorithms) to create a digital 3D model of the artifact.

2. Capturing the True Representation

A 3D model digitally replicates a real object, preserving its exact form, geometry, surface measurements, and even color. It allows for closer examination and offers deeper insights into the artifact.

3. Digital Library

Regardless of the size of the collection, artifacts are now more accessible than ever thanks to digital storage. Once digitized, there’s no need to handle the physical objects, which may be rare or fragile.

4. 3D Printing

With 3D scanning, artifacts can be easily replicated using 3D printing, allowing people to touch and handle the replicas without disturbing the originals.

Museums, cultural institutions, and university departments are increasingly adopting professional 3D scanners to document and preserve culturally significant landmarks and archaeological sites.

Main Benefits of Using a Professional 3D Scanner

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  Accuracy and Completeness

  3D scanners provide highly repeatable measurements of an object’s geometry and surface details. This reliable data that can be used for detailed study, sharing, and analysis.

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  Fast, Reliable Documentation

  3D scanners enable fast, accurate capture of artifacts and heritage sites compared to traditional methods. Document detailed records in minimal time.

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  Capture Objects in High-Resolution

  Digital 3D models let researchers examine fine details, from fingerprints on handmade artifacts to cut marks on bones. They are often difficult to see with the naked eye.

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  Ease of Use: Simple and Intuitive

  Professional 3D scanners like Artec are easy to use—simply point and shoot. Paired with intuitive software, it’s easy to capture 3D models with minimal training.

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  Portability

  Certain 3D scanners are designed for remote, on-site use. The handheld, battery-powered, wireless Artec Leo has a touchscreen and built-in processing, so you can capture data without a computer.

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  Non-Contact

  Professional scanners can capture objects without physical contact, eliminating the risk of damage to fragile or irreplaceable artifacts during the documentation process.

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  True Color Likeness

  3D scanning preserves the shape of cultural artifacts along with true-to-life colors and textures, providing a more authentic digital record for research, education, and heritage preservation.

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  Flexibility and Versatility

  You can digitize artifacts of various sizes, ranging from small objects to large monuments. Some 3D scanners are adaptable for scanning objects in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Professional 3D scanners capture digital 3D models that accurately preserve an artifact’s form and texture at sub-millimeter precision. They can scan everything from small artifacts to entire buildings and environments. Some also capture challenging surfaces such as fabric, hair, shiny materials, and dark objects.

It’s important to note that different scanners are optimized for different object sizes and applications. The following examples highlight what 3D scanning can achieve.

Extra-Small Object Example – Coin

Small Object Example – Flask

Medium Object Example – Armor

Large Objects – Buildings

Large-Scale Historical Structures – Ancient Assyrian Reliefs

The Assyrian reliefs and sculptures have been part of the British Museum’s collection for 160 years. However, traditional photographs and videos have limitations in conveying the actual scale and detail of the narrative scenes. To address this issue, the museum partnered with CyArk to create detailed 3D scans of the reliefs.

CyArk is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using emerging technologies, like 3D scanning, to build a 3D digital archive of cultural heritage sites at risk of being lost to natural disasters, human conflict, or the effects of time. They digitally document more than 200 square meters of ancient Assyrian reliefs, a massive undertaking to preserve history under the museum’s care.

Why is it important to digitally preserve physical history?

In 612 BCE, Nineveh—the capital of the Assyrian Empire—fell to the Babylonians. As in many conquests, the faces of kings and monuments were deliberately defaced to erase them from history. This pattern of destruction, repeated across centuries and still occurring today, underscores the need to safeguard material heritage. Digital preservation protects history from physical destruction by natural decay, conflict, and attempts to erase cultural memory. (Source: CyArk website: Assyrian Collection of the British Museum)

These 3D models illustrate how 3D scanning can capture artifacts from tiny, intricate pieces to massive, monumental works, ensuring cultural heritage is accurately documented, protected, and remains accessible over time.

It is in our human nature to enjoy the tactile experience of touching and feeling objects. With 3D scanning, once an artifact has been digitized, this data can be used to create highly accurate 3D printed replicas using a 3D printer that resembles close to the original.

In most cases, artifacts are too rare and fragile to handle regularly without risking damage. 3D printing preserves the originals while producing detailed replicas that a wider audience can touch and handle. By combining 3D scanning and 3D printing, institutions can:

• Support hands-on learning
• Enhance the experience of museum and exhibit visitors with 3D printed models of artifacts

How 3D Printing Works

This video demonstrates the process of taking an original artifact through the scan to print.

Using 3D Printing in an Innovative Way

The synergy between 3D scanning and 3D printing provides a fresh perspective on studying the past that cannot be accomplished in any other way. A notable example of this is Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation (JRF), an organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and archaeological investigation of the first permanent English settlement in America more than 400 years ago.

Over the years, the organization has recovered European pottery alongside Virginia Indian ceramics. The archeology team was able to recover one-sixth of the pot in the form of fragments, with the texture of a negative impression of a Virginia Indian thrush basket on the ceramic pot. The vessel was made by pressing clay against the interior of a woven basket made by Native Indians, leaving the basket’s impression on the pot.

The artifacts provided historical evidence of how English settlers integrated aspects of Virginia Indian culture, adapting indigenous objects and technologies for their own use.

To enhance the visualization of this particular artifact further, the 3D technology team recreated the basket from the negative impressions left by the pot by 3D printing the positive impression. The exhibition provided the opportunity for the public to see what an actual Virginia Indian basket would have looked like for the first time.

“Through this [imaging and printing] process here, we’re going to end up creating a positive of the only Virginia Indian basket that’s ever been seen.”

David Givens Senior Staff Archaeologist Jamestown Rediscovery

Digitizing artifacts and making them accessible online empowers researchers, educators, and students to explore, examine, and interact with them, broadening access to rare objects. This digital access not only enables scholars and institutions to collaborate, share discoveries, and conduct comparative studies, but also engages the public with cultural heritage. Below are a few examples of digital libraries and virtual exhibits you can explore online.

MorphoSource – 3D Data Repository

MorphoSource serves the academic community as an online repository for 3D and 2D digital models of biological specimens, paleontological finds, and cultural heritage objects. Users can access over 100,000 models—including CT scans, photogrammetry datasets, and 3D meshes—directly in a web browser, with detailed metadata to support discovery and research.

Sketchfab – Online Platform for Publishing, Sharing, and Discovering 3D Content

Sketchfab, the world’s largest online platform for publishing and exploring 3D, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) content, offers a dedicated section for Cultural Heritage. This platform allows museums, cultural institutions, and researchers to share high-quality 3D models of artifacts and historical sites, making cultural heritage accessible to audiences worldwide.

Tapestry – Web-Based Storytelling Platform

If you are looking for an immersive experience, Tapestry brings historic places to life through immersive 3D storytelling available online. Tapestry makes cultural heritage accessible by offering virtual experiences that allow anyone to visit historical sites and discover their stories. The organization has created 100+ experiences with 2.5 million virtual visitors coming to learn about cultural heritage sites from around the world.

Using advanced 3D technologies like LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry, CyArk builds high-resolution 3D models that form the foundation of each story. These digital reconstructions go beyond visual detail—they’re enriched with narration, ambient sound, archival imagery, and personal stories from people connected to the site. The result is an interactive tour that lets you explore different cultural experiences from every angle, whether on your desktop or phone, in a way that feels deeply engaging.

What’s truly impressive is that you can go through an immersive experience of historical sites anywhere in the world, from the Forgotten Ship of the USS Utah Memorial at Pearl Harbor to the Tombs of Sudan’s ancient rulers.

To go one step further, CyArk uses VR to create immersive experiences that allow people to explore heritage sites as if they were there. Virtual reality (VR) places users inside a site rather than simply showing it on a screen. Users perceive scale, depth, and spatial relationships that photos or videos often lose, making monuments and landscapes feel more lifelike. VR surrounds the viewer with 360° visuals and sound and often enables interactive exploration, creating the sensation of being there. This deeper engagement makes the experience more memorable and builds a stronger emotional connection to the site and its history.

Many precious artifacts and historical buildings that tell our story are at risk of damage or loss over time. To protect them for future generations and to preserve an accurate record of the past, 3D scanning creates lasting digital versions of these physical objects.

Conservation Efforts

The war in Ukraine has destroyed countless historical sites and artifacts, many of which are irreplaceable cultural treasures. To protect what remains, Skeiron has dedicated its work to safeguarding Ukraine’s rich heritage by 3D scanning as much of its physical history as possible and making it digitally accessible to the world. These digital archives will also enable museums to create accurate replicas in the future, ensuring that even when tangible history is lost, cultural identity can still be preserved through digitization.

Following the launch of #SaveUkrainianHeritage campaign to protect endangered architectural monuments, Skeiron—supported by Artec 3D—introduced Museum in 3D. Now featured on Google Arts & Culture, the project features over 200 museum artifacts captured with the Artec Leo, all of which can be explored online.

Repairing Artifacts and Historical Sites

As a proactive step to safeguard cultural heritage, conservators can build a comprehensive digital library of 3D models of artifacts and heritage sites. These models capture their current condition, record architectural details, and assess structural integrity. Documentation makes it easier to monitor changes over time and identify areas needing repair or restoration in the future. With accurate 3D data, conservators can plan restoration work with precision while preserving the authenticity of the original structure.

“Why is it important to preserve cultural heritage? Because culture defines who we are in principle. Culture is what makes us unique. It’s material culture, living culture, languages, writing—is what we are. Only by preserving this culture would we preserve ourselves and our identity.”

Iryna Lutsyk PhD, Junior Researcher of the Archaeology Department of the I. Krypaikevych Institute of Ukrainian Studies Quote taken from video, Digitizing Ukrainian heritage with Artec 3D

We hope this article provides a clearer understanding of the significant role 3D scanners play in preserving cultural heritage. By capturing precise, high-resolution digital replicas of artifacts, structures, and historical sites, 3D scanning allows researchers, educators, and the public to study and experience these treasures without risking damage to the originals. The true value lies in its ability to objectively document history and share accurate records with the world, making cultural heritage more accessible, engaging, and protected for future generations.

When a 3D scanner captures texture (also known as color texture), it not only acquires the geometric shape of the object but also records its surface details and characteristics—such as color, material, and fine textures. This information is essential for creating realistic and hyper-detailed digital models that accurately represent the physical appearance of the scanned object in 3D—a digital twin. A 3D scanner capable of color 3D scanning can capture the texture of an object.

Geometry capture: It involves creating an accurate digital representation of the object’s physical shape and dimensions in three-dimensional space.

Geometry + Texture capture: Capturing the 3D geometry of an object as well as the visual appearance and tactile qualities of the object’s surface, including color.

Hip Bone 3D Scans (Scanned with the Artec Space Spider)

Maya Wood Carving (Scanned with the Artec Space Spider)

Here’s a quick video that shows how color texture is captured using the Artec Space Spider.

Here is the final 3D model.

Soda 3D Scan

Applications Requiring Only Geometry Capture

For a lot of applications, capturing the color and texture of an object isn’t necessary if your goal is to get accurate 3D measurements of an object. Some applications where textureless 3D scans are sufficient include engineering, design, and virtual simulations.

Applications Requiring Color Texture

Color texture data is beneficial for applications where visual realism is important. Color 3D scans are useful when you need a true representation of the physical object in color and likeness.

Some use cases include:

• E-commerce applications where you want to showcase a 3D model in an online store
• Documenting and preserving physical objects in digital form (museums or research)
• Virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality
• CGI for visual effects (movies and video games)
• Virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality applications (for use with Apple Vision Pro or Metaquest headsets)

James Madison Statue

Grocery Store Shelf

Typically, a 3D scanner that can capture the texture of an object is more expensive compared to one that only captures the geometry (or textureless scans).

For Artec 3D scanners equipped with a texture camera, Artec Studio 3D scanning software will activate the scanner’s texture flash and capture color images that it will use to texture the 3D model.

At this point, we’ve been talking about how a 3D scanner can capture geometry and color texture at the same time. This method of capturing color texture is of good quality for a majority of applications. However, for some industries such as video game or movie production for CGI, attaining a 3D model that is the closest match to the exact color and texture of the physical object is essential.

Artec Studio 3D scanning software, which powers all Artec 3D scanners, has a photogrammetry algorithm that can combine high resolution 3D mesh and photography to achieve photorealistic textures. This creates a hyper realistic, high accuracy 3D model.

Capturing Color Texture with Artec 3D Scanners	Path A	Path B
	Using the scanner’s internal camera for texture capture	Using an external camera like a digital SLR for texture capture
Color Texture Quality
Workflow	When you are doing 3D scanning with Artec 3D scanners (with the exception of Artec Point), color texture is already captured. The scanner has a camera for capturing texture.	If you require the highest quality color texture, you can combine geometry data from your Artec scanner with texture data from an external camera or a smartphone. Create extra realistic, texture-perfect 3D assets for games, animation, VR/AR applications, and more.

Here’s a quick video of the workflow:

If you are interested in exploring more on this topic, Artec 3D created an in-depth video tutorial that walks you through the entire process.

We hope you have a better understanding of color 3D scanning after you read this article. If you have further questions, please feel free to talk to us.

When you are 3D scanning, it is important to know that you should always:

Aim to capture the highest quality raw scan data from your 3D scanner rather than relying on post-processing algorithms

3D scanners capture raw 3D measurement data of a real-world object in the form of point cloud or polygon meshes.

Raw 3D Measurement Data (Scan Data)

Post-processing is the modeling stage where you clean up and transform individual 3D scans and merge them into a unified 3D mesh.

Finally, the rendered 3D models can be exported in a variety of industry-standard file formats. For advanced applications (such as reverse engineering, quality inspection, or CGI), additional post-processing software may be necessary. However, nowadays advanced 3D scanning software like Artec Studio extends beyond the basic 3D scanning cleanup to handle some of these operations.

Capturing high-quality raw scans during the data acquisition stage is crucial because post-processing cannot always improve the quality of poorly scanned data. Similar to cooking, fresh ingredients are necessary to create a delicious dish. The same applies to 3D scanning. Obtaining top-notch raw scans during the scanning process provides superior data to work with during post-processing, resulting in better final results.

Consequently, obtaining high-quality raw scan data from the outset ensures that less time and effort will be spent during post-processing, saving time, frustration, and headaches.

So, what steps can we take to make sure that we capture quality scans before post-processing?

Proper planning and preparation are crucial for every project in order to achieve high-quality 3D scans. By taking the time to prepare, you can simplify even the most challenging projects. The objective is always to do it once, instead of working in a perpetual cycle of re-scanning the object over and over again due to poor planning.

If your 3D scanner produces noisy scan data, this is often an indication for a need to improve either the device settings or the physical setup. Remember, investing in preparation now can save you significant time and effort down the line.

Planning and preparation = Less work later

Here are eight tips to help you capture quality 3D scans from the start:

Get the best scans from your 3D scanner by following these simple tips.

1. Tip #1: Take Control of Your Environment

   

   If you are 3D scanning indoors, have a designated area for this purpose. Creating a controlled environment gives you a better chance of getting consistent scan results.

   While the 3D scanner is acquiring data, excessive movement from the object or the device can create noisy scans and inaccurate results. Make sure you are 3D scanning in an area free from vibration from the ground (scanner placement – this is especially true for desktop or tripod-mounted 3D scanners) or surfaces such as a table (object placement).

   Consistent lighting is also crucial for scanning. Bright lighting can cause noisy data. It is best to switch off or dim the lights for better results.

   Some 3D scanners are capable of scanning outdoors. If you are scanning outside, do it in a shaded area away from direct sunlight with consistent lighting to capture the best scans.

   

2. Tip #2: Use the Right Fixture

   To prevent objects from falling down halfway through the scanning process due to improper mounting, it is essential to fixture them properly. Make sure the object is placed on a stable surface. For objects that don’t sit well on flat surfaces, you can use clay putty or clamps to hold the part in place.

   

   It is important to keep the object fixed securely to the surface. Even though the fixture will be deleted during post-processing, it is an essential component in the 3D scanning workflow. Background objects (or fixtures) like a floor, table, or turntable provide valuable reference points for the 3D scanner. Good fixtures have unique geometric shapes and textures to help the 3D scanner track movement and establish scale.

3. Tip #3: Use A 3D Scanning Spray For Scanning Challenging Surfaces

   

   3D laser scanners and structured-light 3D scanners have difficulties capturing parts with shiny, dark, or clear surfaces. These types of measurement devices use light as a projection source. The light scatters when scanning surfaces such as metal or glass.

   To overcome this challenge, a developer aerosol spray can temporarily coat parts and create a uniform matte surface finish for 3D scanning. In our lab, we use AESUB 3D scanning sprays extensively for our projects and they work very well for 3D scanning applications.

   

   

   

   “Its vanishing spray [AESUB] range is a godsend when trying to capture reflective surfaces.””

   – Develop3D Guide To The Best Prototype Products

   You can view our lab tests and tutorial videos to learn more about how to prepare difficult surfaces for 3D scanning.

   

   Looking for 3D scanning spray?

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4. Tip #4: Rotate the Object While 3D Scanning

   

   The data acquisition stage requires that you capture multiple scans of an object from all sides for full coverage. You don’t want the object to slide around the table while scanning. Any movements to the objects being scanned (and the turntable) during the 3D capture process will confuse the 3D scanner’s tracking and registration algorithms built into the 3D scanner. To help rotate the object with ease to get better quality scans, we like to use a manual turntable to rotate the object while scanning. It prevents the object from sliding or teetering while it is being scanned.

   

5. Tip #5: Scan With A Textured Background

   

   In 3D scanning, texture refers to the color photographs captured alongside the 3D geometry.

   Using a textured background is beneficial for tracking and registration during the 3D scanning process. A background with unique geometry or texture can improve the accuracy of the scan by providing reference points for the 3D scanner to track and align the scan data.

   

   Texture mapping is a complex topic, but it’s important to note that 2D images with text and color provide excellent background reference in the 3D scanning workflow. The same goes for unique 3D geometry in the background, it helps:

   • the 3D scanner track movement during data capture
   • the 3D scanning software align the scans into a 3D model during post-processing

   The background can be easily deleted during the post-processing stage.

   

   

6. Tip #6: Adjust Your 3D Scanning Software’s Settings to Match the Object

   

   Using incorrect 3D scanner settings can result in poor scan quality. To ensure good scans from your 3D scanner, it’s crucial to adjust the exposure and brightness settings based on the object’s lightness or darkness. By using the appropriate settings, you can achieve the best possible scan results from your 3D scanner. Because each 3D scanner model is different, you should read the software manual for your 3D scanner for more information on the settings.

   If you own an Artec 3D scanner, you can download the latest software manuals on our support site.

   

7. Tip #7: Recalibrate Your 3D Scanner for Accuracy

   A 3D scanner with poor calibration can result in inaccurate scan data.

   

   What is Calibration?

   Calibrating the 3D scanner helps maintain measurement accuracy and repeatability. Depending on the device, calibration may be performed by the user or the 3D scanner comes factory calibrated. It is a crucial process that allows the optical measurement instrument to determine its position, rotation, and behavior relative to the object being scanned.

   Mishandling or improper transportation, such as jolts or accidental drops, can cause a 3D scanner to lose its calibration and produce subpar results.

   To ensure accurate and high-quality scan data, it is recommended to recalibrate your 3D scanner periodically. The frequency of recalibration may vary depending on usage, but it is typically recommended to do so a few times a year. If you need to recalibrate the scanner yourself, be sure to follow the procedures carefully. You can also contact your vendor for guidance on how to achieve the most accurate scan results from the calibration process.

   

   

8. Tip #8: Training

   

   The user’s level of expertise is often underestimated as a critical factor affecting 3D scan quality. Even with the best equipment, insufficient training will limit its potential. To get the best capabilities out of your 3D scanner, it is recommended that you seek advice and guidance from your vendor or from a professional with relevant expertise. They use the equipment on a regular basis and can provide you with the expertise and tips on how to use a 3D scanner to its maximum potential. If you prefer self-guided learning, you can access online training through manuals, videos, and guides. It is crucial to allocate adequate time for training before commencing your first 3D scanning project.

   At GoMeasure3D, we offer professional training to all customers who purchase a scanner from us.

   Contact us if you need additional Artec technical support and training services.

The ability to get good scans will improve with practice and experience. You can learn a lot from mistakes, which will train you to become a 3D scanning expert.

It’s also important to remember that aside from preparation, the quality of the scanner will affect the quality of the scan data it produces. For example, professional 3D scanners using high-quality components and 3D scanning software that have undergone extensive R&D will produce better scan data quality compared to consumer-grade scanners. To learn more about this topic, please read our previous blog post related to how different types of 3D scanners affect scan quality.