CASE STUDIES
Published on Mar. 31st 2025
FreeScan Combo in Cultural Heritage Restoration: 3D Replica of Tiangong Furnace
This article explores the importance of 3D scanning for cultural heritage preservation and the benefits of using advanced 3D scanning technology for artifact restoration, reverse engineering, and digital conservation.
Overview
For professionals in cultural heritage restoration, high-accuracy 3D scanning technology transforms how historical artifacts and monuments are preserved, reconstructed, and digitally archived. The Tiangong Furnace at Ziyun Temple in Taiwan is a significant cultural relic with intricate carvings. The team utilized FreeScan Combo, a state-of-the-art 3D scanning solution, to achieve a precise and detailed replica. This article explores the importance of 3D scanning for cultural heritage preservation and the benefits of using advanced 3D scanning technology for artifact restoration, reverse engineering, and digital conservation.
Main gate of the ZIyun Temple
The History of Ziyun Temple’s Tiangong Furnace
Ziyun Temple is one of Taiwan’s most revered Buddhist sites and has deep historical significance. The Tiangong Furnace, standing 4 meters tall, is an extraordinary example of traditional craftsmanship. Its design has symbolic engravings, including dragons encircling the body, 168 bats on the top (symbolizing prosperity and good fortune), and five lions at the base (signifying blessings, wealth, and longevity). As both a religious artifact and a valuable cultural heritage asset, ensuring its accurate restoration was essential for long-term cultural preservation.
How 3D Scanning Technology Was Used for Restoration?
Restoring the Tiangong Furnace presented unique challenges, including limited scanning space due to ongoing temple renovations. The team developed a strategic 3D scanning workflow using FreeScan Combo, ensuring high accuracy and full data capture:
- Crane-Assisted 3D Scanning: Given the furnace’s height, a crane ensured complete high-resolution 3D data acquisition from the top and main body.
- Infrared VCSEL3D Scanning: The Tiangong Furnace is rich in form and character and is well suited for scanning with infrared light. In addition, infrared light is minimally disturbed by external lighting conditions, making it suitable for capturing intricate carvings and fine textures outdoors.
Outdoor 3D scanning
- Laser 3D Scanning for Fine Details: The team used laser scanning modes to enhance data acquisition at details. Data under infrared light and laser modes can be integrated well.
Discover the product you're looking for
- Full specifications
- Using scenarios
- Key features
- Even comes with a bundle!
Once the scanning is completed, the collected data can be processed into a high-resolution 3D model through reverse engineering. The model is an invaluable reference for artifact replication, restoration, and digital storage.
Scan data from of the Tiangong Furnace
Benefits of High-Accuracy 3D Scanning
- Improved Efficiency & Reduced Human Error: Compared with traditional measurement techniques, 3D scanning acquires more accurate data information and reduces human error, accelerating the restoration process of artifacts.
- Long-Term Digital Preservation & Archiving: By digitizing historical structures and artifacts, museums, restoration experts, and researchers gain access to a long-term digital archive for future conservation, academic study, and cultural education.
With advancements in 3D scanning and digital restoration, we are not just safeguarding the past—we are creating a bridge to the future, where cultural heritage remains alive, relevant, and accessible for generations to come.
If you are a museum, researcher, or restoration professional, now is the time to embrace these 3D tools and integrate them into preservation efforts.
Share this on social media
