Triassic_Dinosaur_Tracks by DocCopemys

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

I used photogrammetry to make this model of some Triassic dinosaur tracks I observed in a creek bed while doing field work along the border between Colorado and Oklahoma in 2017. This is one of the great uses of photogrammetry, since nothing actually comes in contact with the tracks it is a great method for documenting these sorts of fossils. Historically paleontologists would use plaster, latex, or silicone to make a mold/cast of fossil trackways. This has the potential to seriously damage fossil track sites and the practice is discouraged among professionals these days. Unfortunately, many nonprofessionals still use plaster to mold/cast fossil tracks, an act now considered vandalism when it’s done on public lands in the United States. By using photogrammetry and 3D printing just about anyone can replicate fossil tracks without causing any damage, and with the added benefit of not breaking any laws or having to carry a bunch of water and plaster, which is much heavier than a camera.
The model is presented actual size; these were little dinosaurs. The flatter face is the track surface with no vertical exaggeration. With low relief features it is best to illuminate them from a low angle to enhance detail. On the other side I mirrored the surface and used a 3X vertical exaggeration to enhance the prints. I have printed this at approximately 1/3 size. It printed nicely with no raft or support necessary.
This article contains a photo showing how using plaster to cast footprints, especially repeatedly, can cause lasting damage.
http://www.moabtimes.com/view/full_story/26733677/article-Mulitple-dinosaur-footprints-found-vandalized-at-Bull-Canyon-Tracksite?instance=home_news_2nd_left