The El Fuerte de Samaipata 3D Scanning Project seeks to document the artistic and architectural elements of this premier World Heritage site through the application of non-destructive technologies. Not only is this site a statement of the religious and political ideologies of the cultures who created and used it over the centuries, but it is also in danger of being erased through degradation over time. |
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Due to the fragile nature of the sandstone outcrop, time and vandalism have taken a toll on the carvings of El Fuerte. Wind, water, and vegetation have all played roles in degrading the carvings located here. These natural processes have been further exacerbated by human action, both unintentionally as a by-product of park visitation, but also intentionally through acts of vandalism. The unique nature of El Fuerte, in conjunction with the need to accurately record the complex array of carvings preserved here, made it a great candidate for a high density 3D laser survey. |
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| In order to document such a large and complex site in a thorough and accurate manner, a 3D survey was conducted using a terrestrial light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system, a tool that uses a focused beam of light to accurately measure distances. This device was used to collect a dense array of survey points across the surface of El Fuerte. These survey points (consisting of X, Y, Z coordinates) were collected at an average interval of 2 cm (0.8 inches) across the carved stone surface of the site. These data points are now being processed to recreate El Fuerte as a 3-dimensional computer model which will form the basis of future analytical work and inform preservation measures. |
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