08 - Applying 3D Structured Light Scanning to Visualize Decorative Surface Features on Roman Leather Insoles from Vindolanda

Presenters

Maria Glanfield, University of Western Ontario

Abstract

3D structured light scanning is a powerful 3D imaging tool that has the ability to capture the intricate details of the surface topography of objects with higher levels of accuracy and spatial resolution than other common 2D and 3D imaging methods. This project introduces a novel 3D structured light scanning and digital, postprocessing enhancement methodology to the qualitative analysis of decorative surface features on 15 Roman leather insoles from Vindolanda. The research facilitated the augmented visualization of features difficult or even impossible to see with traditional analysis using the naked eye due to surface wear, busy textures and darkness of the surface. The results presented here show the capture and digital enhancement of small and indistinct details of inscriptions, stamps, incisions, and other decorative features on the surfaces of the Roman insoles.

The poster begins with an overview of the materials and methods conducted in this research, including the specific 3D structured light scanning process and postprocessing enhancement tools applied to each insole. It focuses primarily on presenting the qualitative results for six noteworthy insoles, demonstrating the feasibility of the methodology for achieving the research goals. The poster concludes with the significance of these results for aiding scholars to better understand how Roman men, women, and youth expressed status and personal fashions through the placement, arrangement, and styles of the decorative features on their leather insoles. Finally, it suggests future applications of the methodology for the enhanced visualization of manufacturing marks on the surface of leather insoles to examine various leather manufacturing processes.