Research Training Program

Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History

PROJECT SUMMARY
1996

Gene Hunt
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
Ralph Chapman
Supervising Scientist
Department of Paleobiology
"Returning to the NMNH with the support of the Research Training Program has allowed me to both continue the research I started last summer, and to start an exciting new research project. This experience has been an invaluable part of my professional training "

Three-dimensional digitization and visualization of dinosaur fossils

ABSTRACT
Three-dimensional computer models are a potentially very useful way of visualizing biological form because they can be: 1) viewed from any angle, 2) easily mathematically manipulated, 3) created using real data points from specimens. Data points from specimens may be recorded with several different kinds of digitizers. Three types were used in this project to make 3d computer models- a point digitizer based on electro-magnetic sensing, a point digitizer based on a mechanical arm, and an automated laser scanner. Once the x,y,z data are collected, they are connected to form a wireframe mesh. There are several different kinds of meshes available, but it has been found that connecting curves with equally spaced surfaces is the most useful method. The final stage in the process is to apply a surface to (i.e., render) the wireframe model. This methodology has a large number of potential uses in different aspects of paleontology, such as functional morphology, prototyping, exhibits displays, morphometrics and taphonomy.

Letter of Gratitude