3D Scanning of Highly Reflective Surfaces: Issues in Scanning the Museums Sheffield Metalwork Collection

In this presentation we describe the 3D digitization of Museums Sheffield Metalwork Collection and cogitate on a number of issues related to reflective surfaces. We describe the initial approach and how we had to radically change the strategy resulting in a much higher effort than initially anticipated. The project used state-of-the-art 3D laser scanning technologies and 3D models were exported to the open standard COLLADA format and made suitable for visualization over the Internet with standard web browsers. The project has been successful and its outcomes leave a permanent digital record of representative items from the Museums Sheffield Metalwork Collection. The scanned collection is a component of the city’s collaborative ambition to celebrate Sheffield’s unique place in the world history of metal-making under the banner of Created and Made in Sheffield – a project to enhance knowledge, culture and understanding of the city’s contemporary and historical contribution to the development of national economy and culture with a strong community focus. Along these lines we also comment on our key work on 3D scanning the “Man of Steel” a landmark sculpture for the Sheffield region that has gained planning permission and recently made the headlines. The scanned model has allowed Axis Architects to model a virtual environment helping to visualize and determine the final appearance of the 30m sculpture overlooking the M1 in Sheffield.