3D digitisation in the ETH Library – science from a new perspective
The ETH Library offers a new 3D experience. Digitised 3D models of objects allow a new way to access the Collection of Scientific Instruments and Teaching Aids.
Discover this external pagetellurium with lunarium from 1903 in 3D.
The new “Collection 3D” project launched by the Collection of Scientific Instruments and Teaching Aids of the ETH Library offers a new way to explore 20 selected objects from various centuries visually. A diverse range of objects, including a travel theodolite from 1899, a folding ivory sundial from around 1600 and an aircraft model from 1934, have been digitised using photogrammetry. Many of these models have also been animated.
Discover this external pageophthalmometer from ca. 1895 in 3D.
A critical exploration of 3D technology
The project aims to use 3D digitisation in order to explain and showcase scientific instruments and teaching models more tangibly. Animation makes the functions of the tools easily comprehensible. As well as creating digital 3D models, the project pursues another goal: to test the opportunities inherent to the technology and critically investigate its possibilities and limits.
- How and where are digital 3D models useful?
- What potential do they offer for education, research and teaching?
- Who can and should use them?
These are only a few of the questions underpinning this project.
Context and details on the ETHeritage blog
We are discussing these questions in depth in our ETHeritage blog series. Every week, we publish an article describing one digitised object in detail and putting it in context. As well as elaborating on the advantages of 3D digitisation and the use of the 3D model itself, we reflect on any problems that may have arisen in the process.
Today marks the halfway point: we have published ten articles since 17 May 2023. Another ten articles will follow until 27 September 2023. Have a look at the latest article, published today, on a reflecting telescope from the 18th century.
From the object to the photograph, from the photograph to the model
The external company ikonaut took the photogrammetric images: each object was placed on a rotary plate and photographed between 300 and 500 times. Afterwards, ikonaut created the 3D models and animations. We use external pageSketchfab as a viewer, which supports the addition of annotations and metadata to each object. On E-Pics, the platform for image catalogues, you can also find the 3D-digitised objects in their own category.