Lighthouse Spiral Stair Reconstruction 3D Model

Center for Digital Heritage and Geospatial Information

Abstract

A 3D reconstruction of staircase elements recovered from archaeological excavations at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is helping to better understand construction techniques at this site, based on the wrought iron fragments found and documented using structured light scanning technologies. Using a scaffolding staircase model, we can fit the fragments recovered to the model to reveal parts and functional aspects. These iron steps are from excavated ruins of a lighthouse brick tower. The tower dates to c.1848 and our archaeological dig on the site revealed a large portion of collapsed wall and a number of intact features and in situ artifacts. We used a phase shift hybrid instrument to document the excavations, and a structured light scanner to record the artifacts recovered from our dig at the site.