Laser Scanner Builds 3D Map of Leaning Tower of Pisa

Australian researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) made history last week—while preserving it. The team created the first 3D map of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, mapping the interior of the famed Italian site in just 20 minutes using a new handheld infrared laser scanner called the Zebedee. 

It's a great leap forward for cultural heritage preservation efforts, which can often be a laborious affair. But that's not all the Zebedee can do. According to Jonathan Roberts, research program leader at CSIRO's Computational Informatics Division, the tech can be used to help miners, in recording traffic accidents, and plenty more. In fact, Roberts says, he is looking at unmanned navigation as the next market.