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Podcasts Take Two
Using lasers to make 3D models of California's missions
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Feb 12, 2013
Listen • 5:28
Using lasers to make 3D models of California's missions
Lasers can do more than taunt your tabby: a California non-profit is using thousands of lasers to create 3D digital models of the 28 cultural heritage sites along the state's El Camino Real.
Perspective view of the facade at Mission Dolores created from laser scan data.
Perspective view of the facade at Mission Dolores created from laser scan data.
(
El Camino Real Program
)
CyArk scanning the facade at Mission Dolores
CyArk scanning the facade at Mission Dolores
(
El Camino Real Program
)
Perspective view of the Reredos at Mission Dolores created from laser scan intensity and photo-textured data
Perspective view of the Reredos at Mission Dolores created from laser scan intensity and photo-textured data
(
El Camino Real Program
)
CyArk scanning Reredos Altar in Mission Dolores.
CyArk scanning Reredos Altar in Mission Dolores.
(
El Camino Real Program
)

Lasers can do more than taunt your tabby: a California non-profit is using thousands of lasers to create 3D digital models of the 28 cultural heritage sites along the state's El Camino Real.

Lasers can do more than taunt your tabby: a California non-profit is using thousands of lasers to create 3D digital models of the 28 cultural heritage sites along the state's El Camino Real.

CyArk uses laser beams to measure these buildings down the millimeter. The information is then digitally archived and preserved. And because many of these structures run close to the San Andreas Fault, it's imperative to have that 3D rendering before the buildings become compromised.

RELATED: See more 3D images from the El Camino Real project

Justin Barton is a manager at CyArk, and he says that documenting these buildings have even helped discover a secret room in one of the missions.

With only 4 sites captured so far, she still expects the project to last 3 more years.