Marc Walton

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About

Marc Walton is a leading figure in computational imaging and cultural heritage science, whose work bridges cutting-edge optics with the preservation of art and artifacts. His major contributions center on developing portable, accessible measurement tools for surface analysis, most notably through hand-guided deflectometry. In his highly cited 2020 paper, Walton introduced a system that uses a mobile device’s screen and front-facing camera to perform three-dimensional deflectometry, enabling the capture of surfaces with large normal variation and wide field of view—a breakthrough that democratizes precision metrology beyond the lab. This work, garnering 22 citations, exemplifies his impact in making advanced imaging techniques practical for conservators and archaeologists. Beyond this, Walton’s research spans spectral imaging, 3D scanning, and material characterization, often applied to studying ancient manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures. His achievements include leading interdisciplinary teams at institutions like Northwestern University’s Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts, where his innovations have helped unravel the secrets of historical objects. For students and researchers, Walton’s work offers a compelling model of how engineering ingenuity can serve the humanities, making invisible details visible and fragile histories tangible.