60-19 Digital Paleontology: Uncovering Preservation Patterns in Paleozoic Fossils using 3D Scanning and Morphometry

Session: 2YC and 4YCU Geoscience Student Research Poster Showcase

Presenting Author:

Author:

Abstract:

3D technology has become an increasingly valuable tool in geology, allowing for the

scanning, modeling, and printing of geological specimens. Its affordability and

adaptability have made it popular among museums, research institutions, and academic

programs. This project investigated the effectiveness of low-cost 3D scanning and

printing for use in both lab and field settings. In the lab, the Magic Swift Plus scanner

paired with JM Studios software performed reliably, allowing us to produce accurate

scans of rock samples. These scans were successfully printed using the Creality K2

Plus and the Bambu Lab X1E printers, with only minor technical issues during the

printing process. The second phase of the research tested whether this low-cost

technology could be used effectively in the field, particularly at Devonian fossil sites in

New York, Ohio, and Indiana. At locations such as the Falls of the Ohio, where

collection is not permitted, we attempted on-site scanning. However, the scanners did

not perform adequately under outdoor conditions. Bright sunlight, shadows, and surface

variations interfered with the scanning process, preventing us from capturing viable

data. These environmental variables revealed that while the equipment is well-suited to

controlled lab environments, it lacks the capability to function reliably in the field.

Despite this limitation, the project still yielded valuable fossil specimens for scanning

and printing. The research highlights both the promise and the current limitations of

affordable 3D scanning technology for geological applications.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-10803

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