Project of high resolution 3D scans of 100 Armenian khachkars 

Project Title:  3D digital twins of Armenian khachkars of 100 Armenian Khachkars

Description: Creation of extensive portfolio of digital information that can be used as a foundation for future educational and research projects at the intersection of Computer Science & Digital Humanities fields

Project supported by the American University of Armenia  (PI: N.Sarvazyan) and 3D Armenia Initiative.

From November 2023 to January 2024, the Scan3d.pro team conducted several series of laser and photogrammetric scanning of Armenian khachkars in various regions of Armenia under a contract with the American University of Armenia. In total, over 150 khachkars from different periods and authors were scanned.

The following equipment was used to capture the raw data:

• Faro Focus M terrestrial laser scanning system.

• Photogrammetric scanning system using Sony A7RII and Canon 5DMarkIV cameras.

Depending on weather conditions, capabilities, and availability, 1-3 laser scanning stations were set up for each individual khachkar or series of khachkars, with 20 to 1700 RAW format photographs taken, and GPS coordinates recorded.

The acquired data were merged and processed using RealityCapture 1.3.1.117316 software (Epic Games, Capturing Reality).

To provide free access for viewing and studying, all obtained models were adapted and uploaded to the Sketchfab service, where they are combined into a collection. Link to collection

Each model is linked to the project website and available for free download to all interested parties.

On this website, all scanned khachkars are grouped by geographical location, with each khachkar having its own page containing a link to the 3D model on the Sketchfab website, as well as images of the frontal side of the khachkar obtained during processing in the form of a contour image and orthographic projection.

Additionally, all khachkars collected in this collection are compiled into a unified database (using Google Sheets), where duplicate images of each khachkar are provided, along with links to the 3D model, GPS coordinates, and comments.

All data collected during the execution of this project are systematized and can be provided upon request to all interested parties for analysis and research on complete, non-simplified models for extraction of additional properties and information, and their processing.