3D Imaging
Contents
Statement of Purpose
Understanding of (and standards for) 3D, or three-dimensional, imaging as a digitization process for natural history collections.
Introduction
"3D imaging" refers to a wide range of techniques which allow for the visualization and characterization of specimens in 3D. These techniques can be separated into two groups: those which result in aligned stacks (or "volumes") of 2D image files, and those which result in a surface models. Volumes contain information throughout the interior of a specimen, while surface models usually characterize only the outer shape and possibly appearance of a specimen. Surface models can often be calculated from volumes, or made directly. Volumes can not be made from surface models. Concerns specific to the most common of 3D imaging techniques are explored in greater detail under Modalities, below.
