SPECTRAL IMAGING FOR REVEALING AND PRESERVING WORLD CULTURAL HERITAGE

摘要

The utilization of spectral imaging for the preservation ofcultural heritage has allowed the Library of Congress todevelop and adapt methodologies to reveal information fromdegraded ancient texts and objects. Spectral imaging systemsprovide a powerful tool for non-invasive, non-contact identificationand characterization of pigments, inks, substratesand treatments of artefacts, allowing completely nondestructiveanalyses for research and preservation. Detectingany changes before they are visible enables the assessmentand optimization of display and storage conditions for arange of heritage materials. Advanced processing of significantmanuscripts including the Waldseemüller 1507 WorldMap, Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence,and others have revealed previously non-visible and obscuredinformation, recovering lost scientific and culturalknowledge that forms the basis of modern society.