A 3D laser scan of the 113-year-old vessel, which is part of the UK’s historic fleet collection, has produced imagery which will be used to help maintain it.
Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT) took the opportunity to carry out the work while the boat is in dry dock in preparation for the city’s waterfront development.
Digital Surveys have been carrying out this work which will result in a photo realistic 3D model of the external hull, top deck and masts, a printed model of the ship and an online web-based virtual tour.
But essentially the scan will identify any deformation or movement of the ship and be a significant piece of baseline information for future conservation monitoring and management purposes. It will also inform possible future engineering proposals regarding the cars and presentation of the ship.
Mark Munsie, operations director from DHT, said: “RRS Discovery is showing signs of structural movement which is evidence in the form of cracks opening between timbers at various locations around the ship.
“This project will create an accurate and complete 3S digital record of the external shape of the vessel and provide evidence of any movement or structural deformation. We are extremely grateful for the support of Museums Galleries Scotland who have provided funding for this study under the Recognition scheme.”
Ben Bennett, chief technology officer from Digital Surveys, added: “Digital Surveys are delighted to be working on such a prestigious heritage project. We will be using the latest 3D laser scanning technology to digital capture the vessel creating a virtual snapshot in time.
“Laser scanning is perfect for this type of project capturing billions of points of information and allowing many different deliverables to be created. This should provide a fantastic 3D data resource in the on-going preservation of the RRS Discovery.”
Source: Digital Surveys
