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A Tech Revolution for History: FalconViz’s New Device for Documenting Ancient Wells
At FalconViz, innovation isn’t just our mission—it’s our passion. When faced with the challenge of documenting ancient wells for a client, we didn’t just think outside the box; we reimagined it. With no ready-made solution on the market, our co-founder and CEO, Dr. Luca Passone, personally custom-designed and built a groundbreaking device capable of scanning deep underground wells, navigating spaces as narrow as 1.5 meters in diameter and depths up to 30 meters.
Overcoming the Challenges of Well Scanning
Traditional tools fell short. Drones, even those optimized for confined spaces, proved unsuitable; their propellers stirred up dust, and achieving full coverage in such tight conditions was nearly impossible. LiDAR, while advanced, didn’t deliver the high-quality textured mesh required in such confined environments—and its cost was prohibitive.
Designing the Device from the Ground Up
To tackle these challenges, we engineered a solution tailored to the task. Every aspect was thoughtfully designed to address the unique demands of well scanning:
- Lighting: Equipped with high-power industrial LEDs featuring a high Color Rendering Index (CRI), our device ensures accurate color reproduction and even, consistent illumination. Its design eliminates hotspots, producing light nearly 500 times brighter than an iPhone flash—enough to illuminate even the deepest wells.
- Cameras: To capture optimal overlap for photogrammetry, we arranged six GoPro cameras in a circular configuration. Using GoPro Labs firmware, we synchronized the cameras with precision, customizing settings like shutter speed and white balance to deliver superior image quality.
- Power:With LEDs consuming over 200 watts, the device relies on two robust 6S 5300mAh batteries, powering operations for at least 30 minutes—ample time to scan each well.
After weeks of 3D printing, LED soldering, and meticulous assembly, our compact, field-ready device was complete—ready to capture exceptional images even in the most challenging conditions.
From Field to Feedback: Bringing Ancient Wells to Light
Deploying the device is a careful process. Our team lowers it into wells using ropes and a small crane, adjusting descent speed to optimize image capture. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. The crisp, detailed images exceeded expectations, and our client’s enthusiastic feedback validated the hard work behind this breakthrough solution.
Now, there’s just one small detail left: naming the device. Internally, some have affectionately dubbed it the “Disco Ball” for its vibrant 360-degree LEDs, while others favor “Lucammetry.” What do you think it should be called? Share your suggestions with us!
Preserving History, One Well at a Time
Documenting and preserving ancient wells is about more than just technology—it’s about safeguarding cultural heritage and advancing our understanding of history. These wells offer invaluable insights into ancient water management, architecture, and daily life, helping historians and archaeologists piece together stories from the past. By capturing their structure in stunning detail, we protect these artifacts from deterioration and ensure they remain accessible for future generations.
What’s Next?
We’re just getting started. Beyond historical wells, our modular device is designed for versatility, enabling upgrades like advanced cameras and new sensor types for tailored data collection. These enhancements will broaden its capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for documenting underground structures and supporting cultural preservation efforts.
Our vision is to collaborate with heritage organizations and research institutions to create comprehensive digital archives, fostering study, education, and public engagement. Together, we can preserve the wonders of the past and inspire curiosity for generations to come.