Case Study: University of South Florida achieves immersive archaeology teaching and heritage preservation with 3D Systems' Geomagic

AIST Changing The Ways To Teach And Learn Using 3D Using Geomagic

University of South Florida’s Alliance for Integrated Spatial Technologies (AIST), working with 3D Systems’ Geomagic tools, faced the dual challenge of non‑destructively documenting fragile archaeological monuments (notably Olmec sculptures at La Venta) and making those artifacts accessible for research and teaching without excavation or restricted museum access.

AIST combined high‑precision 3D laser scanning (to 0.05 mm), GPS, RTI and geophysical imaging with Geomagic software to produce textured 3D models, surface elevation maps, and printable replicas. The workflow revealed previously indistinct carved details, improved preservation and interpretation, supported cross‑institutional research, and democratized learning by enabling virtual site visits and hands‑on study with 3D prints.

University of South Florida

Lori Collins

Research Associate Professors