188-1 From Field to Phone: Mobile Device Workflows for 3D Digitization of Paleontological Specimens and Sites

Session: Technology and tools for 3D visualization of field and lab data in teaching and research

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Abstract:

Three-dimensional (3D) surface digitization has become an increasingly important component of paleontological research, museum curation, education, and scientific visualization. Historically, the generation of high-fidelity 3D surface data required either traditional DSLR-based photogrammetry workflows or expensive commercial scanners, both of which often involve extensive equipment, steep learning curves, computationally intensive processing, and limited portability. Recent advances in mobile-device hardware and computational photography have rapidly transformed this landscape.

In this presentation, I provide an overview of mobile-device workflows for the rapid 3D digitization of paleontological specimens, field localities, and museum collections focusing primarily on the application Polycam. These workflows leverage modern smartphone capabilities including LiDAR sensors, depth mapping, multi-lens imaging systems, and rapid cloud based, AI-assisted, reconstruction algorithms to generate high-fidelity textured meshes directly from handheld devices. Comparative evaluations between mobile-device workflows and commercial scanners demonstrate that modern smartphones can now rival or exceed traditional approaches in several key areas, including texture fidelity, portability, workflow speed, ease of use, and the reconstruction of small or geometrically complex specimens. Using macro-lens enabled workflows and inexpensive supplemental lighting, submillimeter-scale surface detail can be captured in objects ranging from microvertebrate fossils to large mounted skeletons and in situ field sites.

These workflows have enabled the rapid generation of research-quality 3D datasets in both laboratory and remote field settings, while substantially reducing equipment costs and technical barriers for students, researchers, museums, and community-science initiatives. Full 360° watertight models can often be generated in minutes using only consumer-grade devices, allowing for scalable digitization of large collections and temporary collection visits. Applications extend beyond paleontology into archaeology, historical artifact conservation, geoscience specimen documentation, forensic science, education, digital outreach, and 3D printing.

As mobile-device hardware and computational imaging continue to improve, accessible photogrammetric workflows are increasingly democratizing the creation, sharing, and long-term preservation of high-quality 3D scientific data.

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