For more than 20 years, Fröbus has been offering the digitization of historical books, documents, as well as artworks and cultural assets in both 2D and 3D. With its dedicated team “Kulturerbe Digital”, the company currently manages several digitization projects across Europe. Over the years, we have witnessed how the preservation of cultural heritage has increasingly moved into the focus of society, while technological progress continues to advance at remarkable speed, creating new opportunities for digitization, storage and publication.
In particular, 3D digitization has now reached a level of quality and sustainability that was previously unattainable. Today, the goal is no longer simply to capture objects digitally, but to preserve their form and color as faithfully as possible to the original. Museums, collections, libraries and archives that we work with increasingly choose to have objects digitized in 3D – including two-dimensional works. For this reason, our focus lies on 3D digitization, visualization and reproduction. In doing so, we integrate our long-standing expertise in 3D visualization, photography and photogrammetry, as well as media IT.
Drawing on extensive project experience, we develop tailored solutions even for demanding digitization scenarios. Our clients in the cultural sector greatly appreciate this combination of expertise.”
Ralf Meyer
Senior Consultant 2D/3D Digitization
One of our most significant cultural heritage projects in recent years was the 3D digitization and reproduction of the eight Cologne City Hall Prophets. Fröbus produced precise 1:1 replicas, meticulously hand-painted to ensure fidelity to the originals. Today, the reproductions are installed at Cologne City Hall, while the original sculptures are preserved at the Museum Schnütgen.
Since 2022, we have been digitizing the extensive coin collection and additional historic collections at Friedenstein Castle and the museums in Gotha, Thuringia, in a dedicated on-site studio. The project is considered one of the largest digitization initiatives in Europe and is scheduled to run until the end of 2027.
2D digitization enables the photographic reproduction of reflective and transmissive originals with the highest fidelity in material characteristics and color accuracy. Our objective is to ensure consistently high quality and reproducible results across entire projects. Using advanced camera systems, high-performance lenses, and conservation-compliant lighting, we develop tailored digitization concepts for each collection. With more than 20 years of experience, we have contributed to projects such as the digitization of engravings at the Kupferstichkabinett at Friedenstein Castle in Gotha and parts of the photographic collection of the Wartburg Foundation’s Photo Archive.
For the 3D digitization of medium-sized to large objects, we use photogrammetry with exposures captured from multiple perspectives. Based on this data, we calculate a three-dimensional point cloud, create the digital master, reconstruct the 3D geometry and apply a color-accurate surface texture. The goal is to produce a digital twin of the original. For this process, we draw internally on the expertise of the Fröbus CGI team as well as our prepress specialists. Photogrammetry enables extremely high resolutions, allowing even the smallest details to become visible. This opens up a wide range of possibilities for publication, restoration and research. For the City Archive of Trier, our high-resolution visualization of the Coronelli globes revealed previously unknown surface details that provided new insights into the original condition.
Digital Master Scanning is particularly suitable for the semi-automated, three-dimensional capture and reconstruction of large numbers of similar objects, as the actual scanning process is independent of the calculation of the shape – the reconstruction. Once the system has been set up, it enables the rapid capture of objects that are similar in form and surface characteristics. In Digital Master Scanning, objects are recorded using structured light scanning. In addition to geometry, the color and material properties of the objects are captured as well. Thanks to a rotating glass table, the scan can be carried out in a single pass – without repositioning the object. Using this method, for example, we were able to digitize the delicate soapstone figures and Böttger stoneware vessels from the Kunstkammer at Friedenstein Castle without unnecessary handling of the objects.
Our guiding principle is to handle the original objects as gently as possible while achieving the best possible results in 3D digitization. The choice of method – whether Digital Master Scanning, photogrammetry or other techniques – as well as the equipment we use depends on the historical objects or exhibits themselves and on the specific project conditions. This applies not only to the camera or scanning system but also to the optimal and conservation-friendly lighting of the historical objects.
Get to Know Our Consultant for 2D and 3D Digitization
Our guiding principle is to handle original objects as gently as possible while achieving the best possible results in 3D digitization. The choice of method – whether Digital Master Scanning, photogrammetry or other techniques – as well as the equipment we use depends not only on the historical objects or exhibits themselves, but also on the specific project conditions. This applies to both the camera or scanning system and the optimal, conservation-friendly lighting of the historical objects. We approach each project with creativity and, when necessary, a willingness to experiment. This means we are prepared to explore new technical paths to achieve results that may initially seem impossible. Together with our clients, we develop the most effective approach within the given budget and timeframe.
We are creative, innovative, and – where required – willing to take an experimental approach. In close collaboration with our clients, we develop the most effective methodology within the defined budgetary and time constraints.”
With our expertise and specialized equipment, we carry out digitization directly on site in museums, collections, and libraries, avoiding costly and risk-prone transport of valuable cultural assets. If the spaces themselves are historically or architecturally significant, we install our mobile studio infrastructure in a way that prevents any damage. For example, during the digitization of parts of the photographic collection at Friedenstein Castle in Gotha, we implemented a dedicated light-protection system to shield our mobile photo studio and protect the historic interior, including its original wallpapers.
Thanks to the combination of 2D and 3D digitization technologies, collections and exhibitions can be explored from entirely new perspectives. Interactive applications encourage active engagement with the content and offer diverse opportunities for knowledge transfer – ranging from detailed zoomable views and 3D models to multimedia contextual information. Whether through touchscreens, interactive projections, or immersive VR and AR experiences, Fröbus develops media stations and interactive applications that are always individually tailored to the specific needs of the institution.
Planning to digitize objects or publish digital assets? Our Digital Cultural Heritage team is happy to offer an initial, non-binding consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.
