Things

1. THINGS

Thing: Theodolite

Counterthing: 3D Scanner

The diagram shows the relationship of the Thing and the Counterthing, as measuring instruments, and their context. It illustrates both their matter of fact and the matter of concern. The Thing is considered to be an instrument for transformation of reality into the 2D virtual representation and, with further processing of acquired data, back into altered reality.

The 3D scanner, as a modern Counterthing, likewise is a measuring tool used to transform reality. However, the altered reality conducted from the 3D scanner could be both the physical reality and the virtual simulation of the physical reality (eg. video games). 

The virtual representation of reality obtained from the Thing and the Counterthing varies greatly in terms of quality and quantity. The 3D scanner allows for a much more precise resolution definition of collected data to be stored in a virtual space. On the other hand, the process of acquiring information for the theodolite takes much longer since it deals with only two points at a time and needs to be operated manually. The data is translated and collected on a physical 2D medium, which in this case is a map.