RTI_help is a new discussion group to assist users of Reflectance
Transformation Imaging (RTI), a versatile, rigorous and inexpensive method
for interactively documenting and studying cultural materials. RTI is a
virtual 3D technology built on photo-realistic rendering that requires
nothing more than an ordinary digital camera and computer. The method,
using open-source software, adds topographical information to the color
information of a conventional image creating a file format that allows
rigorous digital archiving of the production path of each image.

The purpose of this peer-to-peer discussion list is to create as wide an
exploratory group as possible so that more communication may yield faster
adoption and development of this highly accessible technology. This is an
academic group meant to help develop best practices among end users and is
not meant to be a primary source of advanced technical information. For
that I recommend the non-profit organization, Cultural Heritage
Imaging (CHI), a group that has led in the development of the current RTI
methods and standards. RTI_help is independent of CHI and has no commercial
affiliations. It is administered from the Fiske Center for Archaeological
Research, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.

Participation in the discussions requires initial registration in order to
encourage a collaborative group environment for member development of its
website and its shared documents as well as open and free
discussions. Eventually some group documents such as RTI bibliographies,
glossaries and web resources may be posted to a public site as they are
deemed ready.

Anyone working with cultural materials is invited to join; please go to:

<URL:http://groups.google.com/group/RTI_help>

The distribution list, its associated website and shared documents are all
hosted by Google which requires that you have or create a free Google
account to participate. If you need a Google account you can get that at:

<URL:https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount>

The group's website (through which all past discussions and projects can be
accessed) is:

<URL:https://sites.google.com/site/buildrtis/>

Dennis Piechota
Conservator
Fiske Center for Archaeological Research
UMass Boston
Office: 617-287-6829
Administrator: RTI_help