Imaging Techniques in Conservation

Abstract

<p>New imaging techniques are increasingly being used within cultural heritage. This paper explores potential uses of such technologies within conservation and implications of their use on object preservation and accessibility. Study of their effects on objects is crucial because their employment is becoming irreplaceable; for example, polynomial texture mapping (PTM) has revealed previously undetectable surface features. In such cases, it is necessary to continue to use the technique to monitor object condition.</p><p>3D laser scanning, PTM, and CT scanning are investigated. Case studies are explored to investigate their current role in cultural heritage. The appropriateness of this role and whether it should be expanded is addressed by analysing advantages and disadvantages of the techniques, their feasibility, and risks caused to object preservation and accessibility.</p><p>The results indicate that the technologies present some advantages over standard digital photography; PTM in particular is found to be an extremely useful, affordable technique. A more established role within conservation, especially for condition assessments, could be worthwhile. Use of the imaging techniques to create models for exhibition can also be advantageous; however, care must be taken to ensure that such models are used to enhance accessibility to original objects and not to replace them.</p

Ceramics and defects

“…18) at f = 4.2 mHz [71]. As can be seen from the visible image acquired by using the raking light technique [72] (step 0), at the time in which the thermographic inspection was performed, the cracks were still included in the ceramic material sample.…”

Utilizing X-ray computed tomography for heritage conservation: The case of Megalosaurus bucklandii

“…The power of this approach is noted by a number of authors (12,13,18,19,20,21,22) and has frequently been demonstrated to be an excellent diagnostic tool for imaging fragile, priceless specimens and artefacts.…”

“…Many approaches have been undertaken in this field, including the restoration of stonework (6,7), evaluating the subsurface construction of artwork (8,9) and even in identifying high-profile, elaborate forgeries (10). The major draws of utilizing this technique for inspecting the condition of an object is the ability to retain the integrity of the original specimen through non-invasive imaging while revealing the morphology and construction of the internal structure (11,12,13). As a result, XCT appears to be an extremely promising and well-suited technique for exploring the conservational history of key museum specimens.…”

Archiving Saudi heritage using the holographic medium

“…It is therefore a technique of preserving heritage that can benefit as it also able to represent minute details of an object. Digital technologies, such as holography, can therefore be used to display artefacts, but although "these technologies has become increasingly widespread but they are not yet part of standard conservation procedures" (Payne 2013). This study therefore is looking into the use of holography to record and present artifact of historical cultural importance to the Saudi heritage and to see if the application of high-tech imaging, such as holograms, can benefit the Saudi heritage preservation.…”