3D Scanning for a Better
Understanding of the Natural World
There has been a collaborative effort in the scientific community to undertake the challenge of 3D scanning more than 20,000 animals, inside and out. This project could technically be said to have started over 20 years ago by Adam Summers attempt to scan every fish in the ocean. Efforts to contribute and complete the project have been increasing with the constant growth and use of 3D scanning technologies combined with the finite nature of time we have to study some of these animals before extinction. David Blackburn was so inspired by the project, that he decided to scan all species of frogs to contribute. Once more and more people wanted to contribute to this undertaking, funding was needed and the project grew to scanning every vertebrate.
Scanning, Building, Teaching
Backed by a $2.5 million NSF grant, the project is called openVertebrate. The goal of the projects is to create a comprehensive library of these 20, 000 vertebrate animals (80% of the genera) and to make it as accessible as possible for both viewing and printing. With the use of latest 3D scanning technologies and CT scanners, these full models with be uploaded to MorphoSource and free to access.
This project will have an unlimited amount of benefits for education of the natural world in our schools, fields of medicine and biology, but also act as the most detailed recorded library of vertebrates and help preserve these animals as well. To view an openVertebrate frog library, click here. For more information regarding our 3D scanning services and how we can help you in your future projects, click here. For any and all of your 3D scanning needs, Arrival 3D has you covered.
