Cultural Heritage Preservation Using Constructive Shape Modeling

• Published in: Computer graphics forum 2004-03, Vol.23 (1), p.25-41
• Main Authors: Vilbrandt, C., Pasko, G., Pasko, A., Fayolle, P.-A., Vilbrandt, T., Goodwin, J. R., Goodwin, J. M., Kunii, T. L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: and object representations; Archives & records; Boundary representations; constructive solid geometry; Constructive solid geometry (CSG); Cultural heritage; Curve; Digital imaging; Digital preservation; digital preservation of cultural heritage; fitting; function representation; Graphics data structures and data types; Historic preservation; I.3.5 [Computer Graphics]: Computational Geometry and Object Modeling; I.3.5 [Computer Graphics]: Computational Geometry and Object Modeling, Boundary representations, Constructive solid geometry (CSG), Curve, surface, solid, and object representations, Function representation, Modeling packages; I.3.6 [Computer Graphics]: Methodology and Techniques; I.3.6 [Computer Graphics]: Methodology and Techniques, Graphics data structures and data types, Languages, Standards; I.3.8 [Computer Graphics]: Applications - simulation; I.3.8 [Computer Graphics]: Applications – simulation, digital preservation of cultural heritage; implicit surfaces; Languages; Modeling packages; shape modeling; solid; Studies; surface; virtual environments
• ISSN: 0167-7055; 1467-8659
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8659.2004.00003.x

Issues of digital preservation of shapes and internal structures of historical cultural objects are discussed. An overview of existing approaches to digital preservation related to shape modeling is presented and corresponding problems are considered. We propose a new digital preservation paradigm based on both constructive modeling reflecting the logical structure of the objects and open standards and procedures. Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) and Function Representation (FRep) are examined and practically applied as mathematical representations producing compressed yet precise data structures, thus providing inter‐operability between current and future computer platforms crucial to archiving. Examples of CSG reconstruction of historical temples and FRep modeling of traditional lacquer ware are given. We examine the application of fitting of a parameterized FRep model to a cloud of data points as a step towards automation of the modeling process. Virtual venues for public access to cultural heritage objects including real time interactive simulation of cultural heritage sites over the Web are discussed and illustrated.