Digitising heritage

3D scanning initiative in collaboration with Macquarie University

Council partnered with Macquarie University to digitise Parramatta's material culture making it accessible to anyone in a 3-dimensional format.

Over several years, Macquarie University developed and led the use of 3D imaging technology for learning and teaching, research, and museum needs. Macquarie University use a range of 3D imaging technology and software including laser scanners, structured light scanners, cameras, and photogrammetry setups to enable the digitisation of almost anything in 3D.

Michael Rampe was the Senior Learning Designer, Faculty of Arts, Macquarie University, a pioneer of 3D image technology and founder of Pedestal 3D, working collaboratively with Council on this initiative to 3D scan cultural material in Council’s collection. By creating a simulated workplace environment for students, the initiative engaged with the real-world digitisation needs of clients. The students acted as the digitisation team, working through scanning techniques and procedures under Michael’s supervision.

This collaborative initiative began toward the end of 2020 with Macquarie University interns, who under the guidance of Michael Rampe, developed their skills in 3D scanning processes using a selection of objects from Council’s cultural collection as models. These interns assisted in teaching and guiding other students as the initiative continued through until 2025.

After the success of the initial training with the interns, a series of objects were selected for 3D scanning over the years: culminating in sixteen student interns being trained in this technology and over 250 objects being scanned.

This ever-increasing array of material culture can be explored on Pedestal3D - Home.

Pedestal 3D is a Content Management System (CMS) for 3D mesh data and has custom tools for management and measurement of scale, object level annotations, multiple object views for different audiences, cross sections and other advanced manipulation tools.

3D scanning pilot project - July 2019

Council engaged a company called Hi-Tech Metrology to undertake a 3D scanning pilot project in 2019. This collaborative project between the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre and Council’s Future City provided for emerging technology at that time to promote and preserve a selection of objects from Council’s cultural collections, along with objects from three heritage partners across the City. The images relating to this 2019 pilot project are hosted on the Pedestal 3D platform and the curated stories can be accessed here.

Explore more of City of Parramatta Cultural Collections via our collection management browser Explore the collection - Parramatta History and Heritage