3D Scanning Human Bones – First2 Immersion

Over the summer at the Fairmont State First2 immersion site, one of the research projects conducted revolved around human bones. One of the skeletons from Fairmont State’s collection was used as a subject of 3D scanning tests intended to determine if 3D scanning would result in accurate scans usable in research. Both a professional scanner as well as a free phone app were used to scan selected bones from the individual, the scans were then processed and measured. These measurements were compared to the actual bones’ measurements done by hand, and it was found that while the professional scanner made relatively accurate scale models, the app did not. However, the app’s actual imaging was better, due to the fact that the professional scanner lacked the ability to scan the full surface if it was concave and didn’t produce color images. Overall, it was determined that these 3D scanners are not precise enough for research.