A three-dimensional digital replica of the wreck of the Scotsman, a tall merchant ship that sank in St. Louis. Lawrence River 175 years ago, was created thanks to the work of a multidisciplinary team based on the underwater experience of a group of Quebec archaeologists. associated with the Odyssée Voir la mer project.
Owned by a wealthy Scottish family from Montreal, the Scotsman left the Canadian metropolis on November 20, 1846, en route to Liverpool, United Kingdom. The next day, near the Île du Bic, it hit the reefs during the storm and quickly sank, killing eight of the nine crew.
The Canadian Hydrographic Service discovered the wreckage of the ship in 2002 at a depth of 30 meters. However, it was only in 2015 that they were formally associated with the Scotsman.
The wreck of the Scotsman, a wooden boat covered with bronze plates 25 m long and 6 m wide, is very well preserved, protected by the darkness and the icy water of the river.
For an underwater archaeologist, this is a collector’s item. It was one of the last witnesses of the great voyagesaid Vincent Delmas, from the Institute for Research in Maritime History and Underwater Archeology (IRHMAS).
” At the same time Montreal’s development and steamboats are starting to dominate. But there are a few ships left [à voile] like this around the world that continues to make transatlantic crossings. “
A team of archaeologists fromIRHMAS visited the Scotsman three times since 2018 documenting everything they found.
The photos and videos collected allow the specialists of the Center for Development and Research in Digital Intelligence (CDRIN) to reconstruct large parts of the ship’s exterior. This technical work and historical research made it possible to create a 3D model and give the boat a second life.
Immersion under water
We want to put people in the shoes of underwater archaeologistsexplained Mr. Delmas. Artificial intelligence and 3D techniques now make it possible to reproduce the conditions in which archaeologists work, thirty meters deep.
Once programmed, the virtual reality headset will simulate the underwater world of the wreck, including aquatic fauna, added Mr. Delmas. It should be noted that around forty animal species have now colonized the boat.
Four users will be able to explore Scotsman simultaneously in a museum experience intended to be multisensory and immersive. One of the joysticks will serve as a portable lamp, the other as a detailed map of destruction.said Vincent Delmas.
” Families will find themselves in a room of a few square meters. They will be able to tour the site by walking on the debris while looking with their flashlight. “
A virtual archaeologist will accompany the apprentice divers and comment on what will be seen in front of them.
” We want people to search and interact with debris. Let them know that exploring is not easy, that there is plankton on your face, that you can see nothing. “
Archaeological innovation
For Jean-François Malouin, president of Super Splendide who participated in the creation of the 3D virtual model with CDRINthe experience will allow visitors to put themselves in the shoes of archaeologists.
We don’t want to do anything didactic or verbose. It will encourage people to look, turn to science and archeology. They will know that science is almost an adventure with Indiana Jonesrejoices in Jean-François Malouin.
The virtual Scotsman is to be included in the exhibition at the Musée maritime du Québec, at L’Islet, in Chaudière-Appalaches, within a few months. It can also be offered on the Quebec library network.
Source: Radio-Canada