Forty-seven years ago, Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin made history when they set foot on the Moon in one of the most advanced spacecraft available at that time – Apollo 11. Now anyone with internet access can explore Apollo 11 command module “Columbia” in high resolution 3D using publicly available data files that can be printed out or seen using virtual reality goggles.
Smithsonian X 3D
Smithsonian X 3D is a site that allows visitors to the Smithsonian museum collection to interact with virtual versions of objects found there, making priceless artifacts accessible to people who otherwise would never get the chance. Teachers can also utilize 3D models in their classes or download raw data that they can then use for various projects – including printing models themselves!
The Smithsonian is working to make more of its over 155 million items available to the public through this initiative, currently only 1 percent is on display at any one time; but with Autodesk and Smithsonian X 3D’s collaboration on making more accessible through the web, this may soon change.
Smithsonian X 3D offers more than museum-quality objects; in addition, the site provides high-resolution 3D scans of celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena for viewing on both computer screens and virtual reality headsets. Furthermore, educational videos explain how best to utilize its technology.
One Smithsonian X 3D project includes recreating an Inka Stonework found at Machu Picchu ruins in 1932. Additionally, they scanned Apollo 11 command module and spacesuit. Their website offers various print-ready models – such as full size model of Armstrong’s suit or 9-inch version featuring only left glove – along with 3D models of Amelia Earhart’s flight suit worn during her legendary flights.
Smithsonian X 3D projects include virtual tours of Lincoln life mask and high-resolution models of T-Rex bones. This site represents a step toward modernizing museums from traditional displays into interactive online portals that can be accessed anywhere. Other museums have used 3D scanning to gain access to their collections as well, such as Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology who created virtual travelling exhibition of fragile Egyptian artifacts; English Heritage which utilizes 3D laser scanning technology for archaeological and condition monitoring applications; etc.
High-resolution 3D scans of artifacts
Museums traditionally kept high-resolution 3D scans of artwork under lock and key; however, some institutions such as the Smithsonian and National Gallery of Denmark are leading the way by providing public access. Their innovative programs allow viewers to view underlying works directly; you can make exact replicas using a 3D printer and share them with others while simultaneously understanding complex structures within artworks which would otherwise remain hidden to them.
Smithsonian 3D model of Girl with a Pearl Earring was captured over several nights to reduce vibrations and glare from artificial lighting, yielding point clouds and height maps which can be compared for similarities or differences among scans; it should be noted, however, that factors like scanner lateral distortion or lens distortion or imaging system imperfections will alter these comparisons significantly.
Preservationists find these tools invaluable, as they can create high-resolution 3D models of artifacts without actually touching them – data obtained can then be used to restore damaged pieces, repair broken objects or create replicas in new materials. Furthermore, 3D scanning has also become an indispensable asset of museum exhibitions, making interaction easier between visitors and artworks.
The Apollo 11 spacecraft, affectionately dubbed ‘Eagle,’ was constructed to carry astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin to the moon from Earth. After departing its command service module in lunar orbit it successfully landed on its surface on July 20, 1969 before docking back with it for return home.
The models produced can then be saved as STL files and uploaded to 3D modeling apps or printed using 3D printing technology, for further manipulation such as rotating the model or scaling it up or down. Furthermore, this type of digital cultural heritage is free to use by everyone – providing increased access to history as tangible heritage is brought into today’s modern world.
Raw data
Raw data refers to information that has not been processed or refined in any way, which may appear unrecognizable or nearly meaningless at first glance, yet can contain invaluable information. For instance, a table of raw data could include details on business customers of telecom providers; each row would include each company’s name, industry sector value and number of employees along with rows and columns that can be read easily either manually or automatically by computer programs.
Raw data typically comes in various formats and sizes, stored either on hard drives or databases. Most raw data will be lossless, meaning that compression has not taken place; this allows for greater data fidelity. It is vital to protect raw data as a critical part of scientific experiments; sharing such information also helps others better comprehend results of an experiment or study.
There are multiple methods for gathering raw data, including satellite and terrestrial surveys. While satellite-based surveys can yield large volumes of information, it can often be too large and cumbersome to use effectively. Luckily, tools exist now which can reduce their size.
An additional option for gathering raw data is using an online map service. Such services offer both free-air and Bouguer corrected gravity data sets as well as topographic maps, elevation data, and photos that scientists can use to discover new features on the moon. These tools make an invaluable asset in their scientific endeavours.
Although raw data may not be as easily accessible as high-resolution images, it remains an indispensable part of scientific progress. Researchers must have access to this data in order to make gains in their research. That is why Tim Berners-Lee, founder of the World Wide Web, advocates for sharing raw data freely as soon as possible as he believes if all information were made freely accessible, advances would occur more rapidly in science. He suggests people demand governments and businesses release all raw data they possess.
3D models
A 3D model is a computer representation of physical objects in three dimensions. This representation may be created manually, algorithmically (procedural modeling), or from scan data. A person who creates 3D models is known as a 3D artist or modeler and these models may be utilized in simulation and animation applications.
To accurately represent a model, it must have valid edges and faces that connect in an unambiguous fashion. This ensures the design can be reproduced as intended by its designer.
Apollo 11, commonly referred to as the Eagle, was designed to transport two astronauts safely to the Moon and back home again on July 20, 1969. After leaving lunar orbit and touching down safely, its Lunar Module ascent stage docked back with its Command Service Module before continuing its return journey homeward.
TurboSquid and CGTrader offer many sources for free 3D models online, the former boasting the largest collection of both paid and free models respectively.