Digitizing monuments and cultural heritage using the PortalCam and Gaussian Splatting
TitleWhy the digitalization of monuments is important
Digitalisation is becoming increasingly important in the preservation of historical monuments and cultural heritage. Digital documentation provides an accurate representation of the current condition of a site, which is preserved for the long term. This is particularly valuable for reconstructions following damage or destruction, as well as for planning archaeological excavations.
Furthermore, digitalization opens up new possibilities for presentation. Monuments and historical sites can be made accessible virtually, regardless of time and place. This is particularly useful for museums, exhibitions, or lectures where in-person visits are not always possible.
TitleFast scanning with XGRIDS PortalCam
The PortalCam from XGRIDS is a high-performance scanner that captures point clouds and image data simultaneously. Equipped with a LiDAR sensor and four cameras – including two wide-angle cameras and two front-facing cameras for detailed shots – the system provides a solid foundation for high-quality 3DGS models.
With a capture rate of up to 856,000 points per second, objects can be digitized quickly and efficiently, even without extensive prior knowledge. The intuitive app also allows users to track scan progress in real time and ensure that all relevant areas have been captured.
This combination of speed and user-friendliness makes the PortalCam particularly well-suited for use in historic preservation.
TitleWhat to keep in mind when scanning
For optimal scanning results, there are a few basic points to keep in mind:
- First, you should make a rough pass around the object before gradually focusing on the details, similar to photogrammetry.
- Smooth, steady movements are crucial for capturing stable data.
- Avoid hectic movements or rapid rotations, as they can compromise data quality.
If these points are taken into account, highly detailed models can be generated that are ideal for further processing as Gaussian splats.
TitleData processing in Lixel CyberColor Studio
The captured data is processed in Lixel CyberColor Studio, XGRIDS’ software solution for creating Gaussian splat models.
One major advantage is its efficiency. A scan that took only 6 minutes could be converted into a finished, high-resolution model in just about 3 hours.
This enables fast workflows and makes the technology attractive even for time-sensitive projects.
TitleConclusion
The combination of modern scanning technology and innovative visualization methods such as Gaussian splatting offers great potential for the digitalization of monuments and cultural heritage. With the XGRIDS PortalCam, objects can be captured quickly, precisely, and with relative ease, while post-processing in Lixel CyberColor Studio delivers high-quality, lifelike results.
This creates clear added value in the field of historic preservation. Digital models enable reliable documentation, support reconstructions, and open up new avenues for presentation. In this way, cultural heritage is not only preserved but also made accessible to a broad public over the long term.
Better advice as a user
If you are interested in our offer or would like to learn more about XGRIDS PortalCam, then call us today and arrange a free and non-binding consultation appointment for you. We will answer all your questions. As a dealer and at the same time a user, we are well positioned to assist you even after the purchase.