Planimeter - First Attempt

3D Model

An antique Amsler’s Polar Planimeter. Part of the Dorothy Hill collection.

A Plamineter is a measuring instrument which allows the area of an irregular 2D shape to be accurately calculated.

One of the more difficult objects I’ve attempted to scan. The magnifying lens at one end of the device was covered in masking tape prior to taking photos. When I have a scan that i’m happy with, i’ll basically design that piece from scratch within blender, as photogrammetry and glass aren’t the best of friends (Also, if it is possible, It’d be awesome if there was a materials setting for refracting light!!).

Adequately scanning the finer details of the instrument’s carriage, wheels, and dials will require a different approach to the one that produced this model.

http://www.ams.org/samplings/feature-column/fcarc-surveying-two