How to digitize 157 million artifacts in less than 300 years
The Smithsonian holds a staggering collection of specimens, but bringing them to life in 3D is a monumental task. Even at a relentless pace of one scan per minute, 24 hours a day, the project would span centuries. Discover how 'laser cowboys' are rewriting the future of museum preservation.
The Smithsonian Institution’s 3D Digitization Program Office is currently engaged in a massive technological undertaking. Tasked with documenting a collection that includes over 157 million unique artifacts and specimens, the program aims to increase the diffusion of knowledge through high-detail three-dimensional scanning. This work is not merely about creating digital replicas; it is about transforming how museums function. Researchers can now return from the field with 3D data of entire sites, while educators use these models to lead students on digital quests of discovery.
The technical challenges are immense. Technologists like Vince Rossi and Adam Metel—often referred to as 'laser cowboys'—must navigate a vast range of object shapes, textures, and fragilities. The scale of the mission is best illustrated by a mathematical impossibility: if the team scanned one item every minute, every hour of every day, it would still take more than 300 years to complete the collection. To combat this, the program is transitioning from one-off projects, such as the scanning of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Tyrannosaurus Rex, toward high-throughput strategies capable of capturing entire collections.
Beyond simple visualization, 3D data provides critical tools for conservation. By using 3D deviation analysis, conservators can track the physical condition of an item over time, identifying exact structural changes. Moving forward, the program is seeking partners to help automate the process, develop APIs for external platforms, and create open-source web viewers. The ultimate goal is to manage the massive influx of 3D data and metadata, ensuring that anyone, anywhere, can interpret and appreciate these digital treasures.
Source: 3D Scanning at the Smithsonian
