COS 34-4 - A tale of two whales: applying digital imaging and 3D printing to cetacean research and education

Monday, August 15, 2022

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM EDT

Location: 518A

Presenting Author(s)

NM

Nathaniel Mills

Reed College, United States

Slides (PDF)

Coauthor(s)

SS

Sheila Semans

Executive Director
Noyo Center for Marine Science, United States
MF

Maureen Flannery

California Academy of Sciences, United States
CS

Crans Squire

Noyo Center for Marine Science, United States
SG

Sarah Grimes

Noyo Center for Marine Science, United States
JJ

Jeff Jacobsen

Noyo Center for Marine Science, United States

Background/Question/Methods

Emerging technologies are changing how scientists and the public see and interact with cetacean specimens. As a small rural marine science center, we employed LiDAR (light detection and ranging), x-ray, computational tomography, and structured light scanning together with 3D printing and digital imaging to study and exhibit a 7.9-meter transient male killer whale (Orcinus orca) and a 22.4-meter female blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus).

Results/Conclusions

In collaboration with larger institutions, we applied these technologies to bone replication, skeletal articulation, soft-tissue anatomical studies, digital modeling, and to create virtual and physical high-quality specimen replicas. These techniques improve upon traditional modeling and restoration methods and advance specimen research and documentation. These digital technologies support education and public awareness through in-person and online exhibits and demonstrations, enhancing community engagement and the accessibility of science.