Jisc is trialling a free 3D scanning service for universities, giving wider access to items that are too precious or fragile for real-life inspection.
The studio-quality service is focused on research and education, and uses state-of-the-art hardware from London-based startup Reality Zero One.
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Scanning equipment is expensive and complex, meaning many universities aren’t able to invest in their own. Jisc hopes that this new service will fill the gap, producing both 2D and 3D images.
Sarah Fitzpatrick, head of history and history of art at the University of Buckingham, said: “We are very excited about giving our students access to high-quality digital imaging of key works from the curriculum so they can better appreciate artistic techniques and detailed issues relating to conservation and restoration.”
We are very excited about giving our students access to high-quality digital imaging of key works from the curriculum so they can better appreciate artistic techniques and detailed issues relating to conservation and restoration.
– Sarah Fitzpatrick, University of Buckingham
The service works by sending the objects to be scanned to Jisc, whereby experts will carefully scan them and produce digital files that can be downloaded and used in several formats, from web pages through to VR and AR apps.
Economy of scale means that the pilot central and shared 3D scanning service for UK educators and researchers can be provided for free. Jisc will retain the right to license the 3D objects to other organisations to cover running costs, but educators and researchers using the service will also be able to use the resulting scans however they choose.
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For more information on the service, submit this form with your requirements, and a member of the Jisc team will get back to you within two days.