LABW Stuttgart
Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg
Special Applications and Technology Highlights:
Multi-material digitization (paper, metal, wood, cloth, leather)
True-to-life color accuracy using our calibration wizard
Autonomous high-resolution texture and geometry capture
3D-model optimization for web usage
Interactive 3D model integration for digital exhibitions using the Verus Viewer
Capturing surface details of different materials in True-to-Life Color.
For the Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg, we digitized a selection of historically significant objects, so visitors would be able to view their collection digitally either from home or on interactive tables while walking through their exhibition. CultArm3D captured and reconstructed various artifacts from delicate parchment manuscripts to polished metal weapons, worn leather book bindings and even textiles.
The highlight was a UNESCO World Heritage called the 'Golden Bull' of 1356. Given its historical significance and fragile nature, the 3D scanning process had to be conducted within strict conservation guidelines. Ensuring accurate color reproduction across paper, leather, wood and metal required special lighting techniques and precise calibration.
GNM nürngberg
Special Applications and Technology Highlights:
Combination of polarized and non-polarized image sets to capture different reflectivity values on surface
Ultra-High-precision 3D scanning (15-micrometer resolution)
Semi-automated physically based rendering (PBR) workflow for video renders and 3D assets using Blender
Custom-made tactile 3D replicas for accessibility and research purposes
Special mounting techniques for capturing inner surface details
Dealing with thin geometry, strong reflections and extremely detailed surface structures at the same time.
The Gold Hat from Ezelsdorf-Buch is a stunning artifact from the Bronze Age made from an ultra-thin sheet of gold. The object’s high reflectivity and fine surface details presented a unique challenge for digitization, one that CultArm3D was specifically designed to overcome. Unlike traditional scanning methods that struggle with reflective materials, our system leveraged polarization and Physically Based Rendering (PBR) workflows to accurately capture every embossed motif, texture, and curvature of the gold hat. Polarization filtering minimized glare and unwanted reflections, allowing our system to extract undistorted, highly detailed surface data. Combined with our high-resolution photogrammetry pipeline, this ensured that even the subtlest features of the Gold Hat's intricate patterns were digitally preserved. Once processed we even created a tactile replica for visually impaired visitors.
3D in Heritage
1-to-1 transformations of real-world objects into digital assets are extraordinarily useful in the field of cultural heritage preservation. Therefore, our systems are already employed by many renowned museums to digitize historical artifacts and artworks. CultArm3D produces scientifically accurate 3D models of the highest quality and enables the user to set up secure databases for archiving the results.
EXAMPLES
ELEPHANT
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Height: 12,30cm
Geometry: 8M Polygons
Texture Resolution: 8K
Acquisition Time: 90min -
This magnificent brass elephant statue, a gift exchanged between two ancient kingdoms in the 15th century, represents an enduring bond of friendship and trade. For centuries, it traveled the Silk Road, an emblem of cultural exchange and prosperity, transcending borders and uniting diverse peoples in its majestic presence.
TIN CUP
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Height: 9,37cm
Geometry: 6M Polygons
Texture Resolution: 8K
Acquisition Time: 35min -
This unassuming tin cup, retrieved from an expedition to the Arctic Circle in 1925, carries the whispers of explorers who relied on it for sustenance amidst frozen landscapes. It bears witness to their unwavering courage and indomitable human spirit.
Bringing history to the future
Case Studies
At the department for Cultural Heritage Digitization at Fraunhofer IGD we developed and improved the CultArm3D technology from 2019 to 2023. In collaboration with numerous partners we conducted case studies and pilot projects as to test our systems in the real world and learn about the exact requirements of our customers.
“We challenged the CultArm3D System with all difficulties our objects exhibit: reflective or almost black surfaces, complex structured surfaces, cavities. I was surprised: No problem for CultArm3D. I haven’t seen such an autonomous system before.”
Bernhard Schurian,
Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
“We felt safe to entrust CultArm3D with digitizing our collection of celtic bronze and gold artifacts, achieving unmatched quality at the push of a button, even with challenging surface materials.”
Christoph Röder,
Keltenwelt am Glauberg
“Elegance lies in simplicity. CultArm3D is so easy to use and safe, we have opened 3D digitization to the public. Now, more and more amazing treasures come to life each day.”
Dr. Alexander Wolny,
Badisches Landesmuseum
Results
Museums from all around the globe supply us with challenging artifacts, enabling us to keep pushing the limits of what’s possible to achieve with our digitization technologies. Since 2021 we regularly share the results of our most interesting digitization projects, so everybody can become a part of our journey.
Use Cases
Preservation and
Documentation
Accurately capture 3D models of artifacts for research purposes.
Interaction and
Simulation
Develop immersive exhibitions using 3D technology (online/VR/AR) for interacting with historic artifacts and artworks.
Full Color
3D Prints
Create compelling physical reproductions of artifacts for exhibitions, visually indistinguishable from the original.
3D Reference
Libraries
Ensure faster research and analysis processes with digital reference models in databases, such as digital catalogs of statues, paintings, etc.
Time Efficienct
Research
Optimized analysis and simulation processes in a digital 3D environment.
Seamless
Collaboration
Facilitate collaboration between museums, curators and research institutions through seamless sharing of 3D models.