Non-Contact Surface Geometry Measurement Techniques

It is often necessary to be able to create computer models from physical objects. This is often done for the purposes of reverse engineering, or archival. Many of the contact methods, such as callipers or Coordinate Measuring Machines, are unsuitable for use in areas where the material is delicate. There are numerous techniques that are capable of performing quick accurate measurements of surface geometry, a number of which are reviewed. Acknowledgements This work was conducted as part of my MSc project, under the supervision of Dr. Steven Collins, in co-operation with The Dept. of History of Art, Trinity College, Dublin. Funded by Enterprise Ireland Basic Research Grant (SC/98/604) and the Office Of Public Works.