We set out to test the best 3D scanning methods, hardware, and softwares to (eventually) discreetly scan the stolen Benin Bronzes at the British Museum.
Our goal was to find the best 3D scanning method: one that paired the highest quality scans with a method that was simple to use, replicate, and teach. After researching several different methods and softwares, we settled on testing with a 2021 iPad Pro with LiDAR, an Occipital Structure Sensor, a PolyCam Pro account, and utilized the free software 3D Scanner App.
Hardware:
Software:
Our favorite method within this round of testing was PolyCam Pro. This method requires an iPad Pro or an iPhone 12 Pro with LIDAR (this is built into the software since 2020), and no extra hardware attachments. There is a free version, but the Pro version allows you to export your files as .obj and email them to your team. The Pro version costs $40 for a year subscription.
Left: Screen recording of using PolyCam Pro to 3D scan. Right: Final 3D scan of African mask.