Batten Down the Hatches! Digitizing and Displaying Finds from the Spanish Plate Fleet Wrecks

Abstract

Artefacts from the Spanish Plate Fleet Wrecks of 1715 and 1733 provide an unmatched archaeological window into 18th century life. To publicize these important finds that are often overshadowed by the wrecks’ alluring gold and silver treasures, the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research Collections and Conservation section created an online 3D museum of selected artefacts. This presents our experiences as we plunged headfirst into the world of 3D photogrammetry and online museum development. We highlight our successes and failures with photogrammetry techniques, model creation, general workflow, and 3D web design for education and public outreach.