Natural Heritage Reconstruction Using Full-Color 3D Printing: A Case Study of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds

Abstract

The research presented in this paper proposes a method for the development of photorealistic, physical terrain models using full-color 3D printing, along with an efficiency assessment (i.e., cartographic correctness). The rapid development of 3D printing technology in recent years has caused a growth in the number of solutions allowing the automatic or semi-automatic generation of digital terrain representations that can be then 3D printed. Unfortunately, most of these solutions do not consider cartographic principles and their products cannot be referred to as 3D maps. The methodology proposed in this paper takes into account issues related to proper cartographic design, so that highly reliable models can be created. The main challenges identified during the research include choosing the optimal pixel size for Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation, which is used for landform representation, and integrating raster and vector data. Printing accuracy assessment is of high importance and, thus, a method for its implementation has been proposed. In order to verify the usability of the proposed methodology, the natural heritage site of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, in the Tatra Mountains, Poland, has been chosen as the case study area. The results suggest that the proposed methodology can be successfully used for the preparation of highly accurate 3D maps that can be used for natural heritage documentation, promotion and visualization, as well as for the purposes of spatial planning and education.

Cave feature extraction and classification from rockery point clouds acquired with handheld laser scanners

“…In addition, the extracted and classified caves are still in point cloud data form, allowing the possibility for future study and application. For example, a future study may involve creating multiscale rockery digital twins with extracted caves or 3D printing caves to activate, restore, and protect rockeries [13], as the physical 3D model presented is visually attractive and allows for a better understanding of the heritage values [33]. Finally, the influence of the thresholds set in the experiment on the results was also analyzed, which provides ideas for future improvement.…”

Advanced Techniques for Fast and Accurate Heritage Digitisation in Multiple Case Studies

“…The result obtained from the cloister is summed up in two products. First, an accurate textured 3D digital model, which enabled museum exhibition on free platforms such as Sketchfab, with access via virtual reality possible Second, a file was prepared for advanced manufacturing of the vault and arch by means of 3D printers (Figure 28b) [62]. Various scale prototypes were printed, and the acquisition of real-size replicas printed in 3D are being studied, On the other hand, complementing the work with the photos obtained using the digital camera and the UAV, a photogrammetric rendering of solely the cloister was accomplished (Figure 27).…”

3D scanning, modeling, and printing of Chinese classical garden rockeries: Zhanyuan’s South Rockery

“…Also, the rockery's 3D print is a white model without coloring. Currently, most 3D printing equipment cannot make direct color copies; therefore, manual coloring is needed [26], also there are some cases of color 3D printing, but the price is relatively high [35,36]. This process, however, still cannot reflect the texture of the rockery.…”

“…In recent years, however, 3D printing costs have gradually reduced, while the number of 3D printing products has increased. In their work, Wabinski and Moscicka state that most currently produced models are only decorative, which is not conducive for planning and research [29]. A 3D-printed model should, to the greatest extent, recreate the original appearance of the site to ensure the authenticity of its products and restore part of the cultural heritage's research value.…”