In 2015, archaeologists unearthed the wreck of the so-called Peeter cog — a 15th-century ship discovered in Tallinn. Conserved and now on display at the Estonian Maritime Museum, the ship’s timbers were traced back to oak trees felled after AD 1296, likely grown in what is now eastern Poland. A vessel once lost to time was reborn in more than one way: not just through physical preservation, but also through high-precision 3D scanning and mesh modeling.

Silcer had the privilege of scanning and modeling the wreck shortly after its excavation. The scanning was done using a Leica P20 laser scanner with full color data capture, and processing was completed in Cyclone Core and 3DReshaper (now Leica 3DR). AutoCAD was used to generate documentation views and sections.

While the scanning process itself took just half a day, the real challenge lay elsewhere. The wreck had already been stabilized and placed on a custom wooden frame for transport and display. That frame, while essential for preserving the ship’s structure, had to be digitally removed before the mesh modeling phase. The process resembled carving the ship out of Swiss cheese — identifying and removing each support from the point cloud.

This kind of project is a powerful example of how modern technology bridges the past and the present. The resulting model was used for documentation and analysis. More importantly, it allowed historians, archaeologists, and museum professionals to interact with the wreck in ways they hadn’t before. Precise colored scans brought new clarity to the construction techniques, materials, and possible repairs done centuries ago.

The Role of 3D Scanning in Preservation

The Peeter cog is just one example. Theoretical and practical benefits of 3D scanning in heritage contexts go far beyond a single project.

Accuracy
Laser scanning captures historical objects and structures with millimeter-level precision, creating detailed digital replicas that preserve their exact shape and surface geometry. This level of accuracy enables researchers and conservationists to work with real-world measurements, revisit objects digitally, and base their decisions on measurable data rather than estimates or memory.

Preservation
Digitizing an object through 3D scanning provides a lasting safeguard in case of physical damage, deterioration, or loss. A high-resolution scan can serve as a basis for reconstruction or replication, and ensures that valuable information survives even if the original artifact does not. In this sense, digital preservation becomes a proactive act of cultural protection.

Education & Accessibility
3D models can be shared with schools, universities, and museums around the world, making unique artifacts accessible to broader audiences. These scans support virtual exhibits, remote research, and immersive educational experiences that allow users to explore fragile or distant heritage sites — all without the risk of handling the original piece.

New Perspectives
High-resolution scans often reveal hidden details like tool marks, joinery, construction techniques, and past repairs — aspects that are easily missed in traditional documentation. This opens the door for new interpretations and interdisciplinary collaborations, enabling historians, archaeologists, and technologists to uncover stories that might otherwise remain invisible.

As laser scanning technology continues to improve, its role in cultural heritage is only becoming more vital. Whether it's a shipwreck from the 15th century or an ancient temple wall, the opportunity to preserve, study, and share our history has never been more precise — or more powerful.