Visualizing a scanned model for effective heritage interpretation

Scientific analysis of the scanned model can enhance interpretation of heritage. Visualization methods that use various rendering algorithm can reveal geometric features of the model clearly, which may not be recognized in pictures or even on the site. Thus it helps to overcome the subjectivity or restriction in first-hand interpretation. In this paper, visualization of scanned model for interpretation of heritage was surveyed. Based on that survey, a classification scheme was proposed which can be used in the interpretation pipeline. In a case study of dinosaur track, we analyzed the possible problems in the interpretation stage and proposed various visualization of scanned model according to the purpose. User test was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the method. A practical survey in this paper showed that 3D scanned model and its appropriate visualization could be used for effective interpretation of heritage.