A 3D scanner can indeed scan underwater, provided it is designed or adapted for submerged environments. Underwater 3D scanning makes use of sonar, LiDAR, or structured light adapted to work in aquatic conditions. Underwater LiDAR systems, for instance, are able to capture data points at a resolution of 1 cm and can work effectively at depths of up to 100 meters. These systems are in wide use today for mapping seafloors, inspecting offshore structures, or studying marine habitats.
In 2021, an underwater archaeological project used 3D scanning technology in mapping the remains of a sunken ship off Greece’s coast. The over-2-million-data-points scanner did this in less than two hours, creating a really detailed digital model of the wreck that allowed researchers to analyze the structure without further damaging the site.
Underwater photogrammetry is another widely used method for scanning objects and environments. High-resolution cameras capture overlapping images, which are processed into 3D models. In one notable project, a coral reef spanning 5,000 square meters was scanned to monitor biodiversity changes. The resulting model contained millions of polygons, enabling precise measurements of coral growth and health.
Industrial applications, such as pipeline inspections, also benefit from underwater 3D scanners. Offshore, an oil pipeline situated at a depth of 500 meters was inspected by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) fitted with a 3D scanner. A scan showed micro-cracks as small as 2 mm to enable timely repairs and obviate potential failures. The whole process took a total of six hours to complete, 30% quicker than using traditional methods.
Handheld 3D scanners, such as those by RevoPoint, can be adapted for shallow water scanning. These lightweight scanners weigh less than 1 kg and provide resolutions up to 0.1 mm. In one recent experiment, a RevoPoint scanner was enclosed in a waterproof casing to scan underwater artifacts in a lake. The scan successfully captured intricate details of a 3,000-year-old bronze statue, enabling its digital preservation.
For ecological studies, underwater 3D scanning provides an absolutely non-invasive method to study marine life. Scientists in Australia used a 3D scanner in order to document the shells of the endangered sea turtles. Completed in less than 15 minutes per turtle, the process recorded precise measurements of the shell deformation, thus assisting their conservation.
A 3d scanner adapted for submerged use would be ideal for underwater research or detailed marine documentation, offering unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. These continue to evolve, increasing their scope and influence within marine research, archaeology, and industrial maintenance.