H.L. Hunley Digital

Over the course of the H. L. Hunley project, various types of 3D technology have been used to record surface details and geometry from the exterior of the submarine and its associated artifact assemblage. In 2008, the archaeological team began the detailed 3D documentation of the submarine’s hull using the Breuckmann OptoTOP-HE Structured-light scanning system. The objective was to document the exterior surface prior to the subsequent cleaning of the hull as a part of the conservation process. This scanning effort enabled the team to collect high-resolution 3D point-cloud data and color texture of the vessel for the first time. The data collected led to the creation of a full-scale 3D color model of the exterior of the H.L. Hunley. 

This data is also being incorporated into an evolving 3D site plan to aid in the archaeological team’s forensic investigation and analysis of the submarine.  The goal is to create a 3D representation of the interior of the submarine and all relevant artifacts and components as they were found in-situ. Using this 3D tool, the archaeological team is hoping to better understand the site formation processes that led to the distribution of artifacts and to analyze this data in order to gain insights into what may have happened to the H.L Hunley on the night of its attack.