oVert Network Revolutionises Vertebrate Science with 3D Imaging

Using the capability of 3D imaging, the openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network is leading a revolutionary change in vertebrate scientific collections. The National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project is transforming how useful and accessible museum exhibits are for a wide range of groups.

The Effects of 3D Digitization: Scientific inquiry is changing as a result of the development of high-fidelity digital 3D representations of museum objects. Because they are giving the public, artists, and scientists unparalleled access to detailed specimens, these digital representations are also helping educators and other creative professionals.

Overcoming Social and Technological Obstacles: Although significant progress has been made, there are still obstacles in the way of fully utilising digital 3D specimens.

Obstacles still to be surmounted include technological constraints and the need for broad collaboration within the scientific community.

The mission of the oVert Network is to digitize the diversity of vertebrates by creating a massive database of digital 3D representations of vertebrate specimens. After that, these models are made available online, encouraging a variety of applications and purposes.

Using Advanced Imaging Techniques: To produce incredibly detailed digital reproductions, the project makes use of state-of-the-art imaging modalities like CT scanning, photogrammetry, and surface scanning. Platforms such as MorphoSource archive and make these models available, enhancing research and instructional activities.

Democratizing Access to Scientific Specimens: The oVert initiative is ushering in a new era of natural history research and education by democratizing access to priceless scientific specimens. This cooperative endeavor has the potential to spur creativity and advance research in the vertebrate scientific domain.

Questions or comments on this article? E-mail us at news@sciencex.in

Source:

David C Blackburn, Doug M Boyer, Jaimi A Gray, Julie Winchester, John M Bates, Stephanie L Baumgart, Emily Braker, Daryl Coldren, Kevin W Conway, Alison Davis Rabosky, Noé de la Sancha, Casey B Dillman, Jonathan L Dunnum, Catherine M Early, Benjamin W Frable, Matt W Gage, James Hanken, Jessica A Maisano, Ben D Marks, Katherine P Maslenikov, John E McCormack, Ramon S Nagesan, Gregory G Pandelis, Heather L Prestridge, Daniel L Rabosky, Zachary S Randall, Mark B Robbins, Lauren A Scheinberg, Carol L Spencer, Adam P Summers, Leif Tapanila, Cody W Thompson, Luke Tornabene, Greg J Watkins-Colwell, Luke J Welton, the oVert Project Team, Edward L Stanley, Increasing the impact of vertebrate scientific collections through 3D imaging: The openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network, BioScience, 2024;, biad120, https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biad120

Credit:

Video: Produced by Florida Museum of Natural History