3D digitization of cultural monuments of technology as a source of the history of technology
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The Department of History at KIT and the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Baden-Württemberg in Esslingen are working as project partners within the framework of the eHeritage funding program of the BMBF to process cultural monuments of technology into virtual 3D models using SfM digitization methods. This project is being carried out by Erika Érsek, M.A.
Goals
The aim of the eHeritage project is 3D digitization of historical power engines to promote research on objects. The function of technical equipment is particularly crucial in historical classification and evaluation, thus the representation of mechanical operations plays a significant role in the transfer of an original to a digital copy. This makes it all the more important to use a process that is based on physical values and enables scientific questions to be posed.
In animation technology, individual sequences are positioned manually. Motion is generated by calculating the interpolation between the individual frames. Since there is no connection and therefore no translational information between the different components, analyses are not possible. In simulation, kinetics is based on mathematical models calculated using the object parameters. In this way, even the functional sequences of machines that are nonoperational can be reconstructed. Questions about capacity and load limits can be answered. Further query possibilities are determined.
First results for a simulation of the mechanics were presented at the Gyrolog meeting of the University of Stuttgart on January 4, 2021. For the procedure and results of the simulation at the water pumping station (1762) in Schwetzingen see the video:
Purpose
The collection makes new objects of study available to research. Inaccessible facilities and areas can be viewed, and site visits can be prepared and followed up. In this way, location-independent studies are possible on a national and international level. An expansion of the collection of facilities beyond Baden-Württemberg should facilitate comparative studies. For the preservation of historical monuments, 3D digitized images offer a new way of inventorizing technical cultural monuments; in addition, the collection can raise public awareness of technical cultural assets.
Sample object
As an example, the Lower Waterworks of Schwetzingen Castle from the 18th century was scanned first - a cultural monument of special importance.
The Lower Waterworks (built 1762-1765) used to supply the watercourses and water features of the palace garden in addition to the Upper Waterworks. Both plants were built by Nicolas de Pigage, the director of the gardens in the Electoral Palatinate at the time. The irrigation technology of the Versailles Palace Garden served as a model. Currently, the waterworks are being renovated and will be opened to visitors.
The view below shows the textured 3D model of the pump room based on SfM images.
More information on the eHeritage funding program of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF):
www.bmbf.de/de/kulturelles-erbe-und-forschungsmuseen-746.html