Depending on the size of the fragment, each 3-D model consists of between one to 50 million tiny triangles. Each triangle measures 0.25 millimeter on a side. A computer program could help researchers determine how pieces of the puzzle fit together, Levoy said. Recently, two of his doctoral students, David Koller and Natasha Gelfand, have started to develop algorithms to do the job. In all, roughly 200 pieces have been identified and, in some cases, fit together.
Nobody knows for sure.
However, Levoy notes that it will be impossible to solve the entire Forma Urbis puzzle. However, regardless of whether a computer succeeds in piecing together fragments, the database still will be valuable for archaeologists, Levoy said. Jennifer Trimble, an acting assistant professor of classics and project collaborator, agrees. Trimble advises Levoy and his crew about what information archaeologists likely would be looking for from such a database. When efforts to assemble the map electronically are undertaken, she also will be able to help determine whether a match is right or wrong.