About the Technology
We are often asked about the technology tools we use in our work with the DSMP project. Below is an outline of the tools and platforms we are currently using.
The technological homebase of the Digital Scholarship in Museum Partnerships project is VARDIS (Virtual/Augmented Reality Digital Imaging Studio @ Miller Library). VARDIS is a space where the Washington College Community can view, explore, design and create VR &AR experiences and utilize many different digitization processes for use in research, instruction and creative endeavors. To learn more click here.
01
360 Camera
We use the Ricoh Theta V and Ricoh Theta Z1 360 cameras to take 360 photographs for virtual tours. Being able to control the camera from a smartphone app makes it possible to take 360 photographs without the photographer being visible in them since the photographer can position themselves behind an exhibit fixture or outside the room. It is helpful to use a microphone stand with a threaded camera mount as a tripod, since the round base of the microphone stand will be easier to edit out in post-production than a traditional tripod.
02
360 Tour Platform
We use Thinglink to build our 360 tours and interactive content. This platform allows for interactive buttons to be overlayed on a 360 image. The resultant content can be viewed on a computer, tablet or smartphone as well as in a virtual reality headset.
03
Digitization Tools
We use the Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Photo Studio Box to photograph objects. It is easily portable and has onboard lighting and an built-in infinity background.
We use DSLR cameras or iPads or iPhones with a scanning app (like CamScanner*) to photograph and scan objects.
We work with our museum partners to determine the best platform for storing digitized images. This can be a simple cloud-storage system such as Google Drive or a more complex cataloguing system like Omeka.
*Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your chosen scanning app to be sure they align with your institution's policies.
04
Photogrammetry
We use a motorized turntable and DSLR camera to take pictures for photogrammetry. We use Agisoft Photoscan to create 3D models from these photographs.
Alternatively, we use the app Qlone* for phone-based photogrammetry when appropriate.
We use Blender to edit 3D models in post-production.
We store 3D models in Sketchfab.
We use the MERGE cube as a viewing device for 3D Augmented Reality Content.
*Be sure to read the terms and conditions of your chosen scanning app to be sure they align with your institution's policies.
