Surface Scanning a Museum’s Painted Plaster Ceiling

MYND Workshop undertook the challenge of capturing the intricate details of the ceiling at the Noble Maritime Museum, employing a sophisticated combination of LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry techniques. This project transcended conventional documentation methods by focusing on a highly detailed surface scan that revealed the subtle undulations and potential vulnerabilities of the plasterwork.

Painted Ceiling at the Noble Maritime Museum

Ceiling surface scan overlaid onto orthophoto

Existing conditions photo showing the damaged plaster

The primary objective was to create a detailed color heat map that could visually represent the variations in the ceiling's surface — areas where the plaster was beginning to fail and detach from the underlying lath. Traditional inspection methods could easily overlook these subtleties, but the advanced surface scanning technology utilized by MYND Workshop brought these critical areas into sharp relief. The color-coded heat map provided an intuitive, visual tool for conservationists, highlighting the zones of concern in vibrant hues to indicate the degree of deviation from the norm.

Colored heat map from surface scan of ceiling showing areas where plaster is falling from the lathe

Full color orthophoto of painted ceiling

A full color orthographic image was also developed alongside the scan to act as a visual reference. This innovative approach not only facilitated a more accurate assessment of the ceiling's condition but also enabled targeted interventions to preserve the museum's historical integrity. The detailed surface scan and the resultant color heat map have become invaluable assets in the ongoing efforts to maintain and restore the Noble Maritime Museum's architectural heritage.