3D Specs at the Ready!

Today I received my winter copy of the Planet Earth magazine, which is in association with NERC (Natural Environment Research Council), and after flicking through it, one story in particular caught my eye. Researchers from the BGS (British Geological Society) are working on making the first ever 3D virtual fossil collection, by scanning the UK's finest fossils. So far they've taken thousand of high-resolution photos, 3D models and stereoscopic images of the fossils, and more information is being added all the time. Along with the photos are comprehensive fact sheets, explaining things such as where the fossils were found, what species they are and where they are stored. The photo files can be downloaded and they work with 3D printers (see my previous post about 3D printing), allowing for the possibility of perfect replicas to be used in classrooms for teaching purposes, without risk of damaging the fossils. I'd definitely recommend having a look at the 3D fossil collection, as you get to see the detail of fossils that you wouldn't normally get a chance to look at.

One of many 3D movable images (courtesy of  GB3D)