Digitization

Digitization refers to the process of capturing three-dimensional data and shape of a fossil. With digital computing tools, this has become a practice for many museums and paleontological institutions. In order to capture the best possible imagery, we work with external laboratories to scan our fossil specimens with MicroCT scanning methods. This allows us to view the internal anatomy of the fossil by non-destructive means. This can provide us unique information about an animal's life or sensory capabilities. 

Critical to our mission, getting fossils into the public trust often accessioning them into collections at trusted museums. CT data is even more critical as it allows museum collections managers a near perfect reference for repair if the material is ever damaged and allows for the creation of reproductions if an original specimen is ever destroyed.