Stories with Tag Digital Collections

• OpenVertebrate Presents a Database of 13,000 3D Scans of Specimens

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  Posted: 2025-04-05 02:15:35

  Verbose tl;dr

  OpenVertebrate has launched a free, accessible database containing over 13,000 3D scans of vertebrate specimens, including skeletons and soft tissue. Sourced from museums and research institutions worldwide, these scans allow researchers, educators, and the public to explore vertebrate anatomy and evolution in detail. The project aims to democratize access to these resources, enabling new discoveries and educational opportunities without requiring physical access to the specimens themselves. Users can download, 3D print, or view the models online using a dedicated viewer.

  The digital landscape of vertebrate morphology has undergone a significant expansion with the unveiling of OpenVertebrate, a monumental online repository containing over 13,000 meticulously crafted 3D scans of vertebrate specimens. This freely accessible database, highlighted in a recent Open Culture article, represents a monumental leap forward for researchers, educators, and anyone with an interest in the intricate world of vertebrate anatomy. Sourced from prestigious institutions like the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, the University of Washington Burke Museum, and Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology, the collection boasts an impressive breadth, encompassing skeletal structures, preserved specimens, and even individual bones representing a wide spectrum of vertebrate classes, from fish and amphibians to reptiles, birds, and mammals.

  OpenVertebrate leverages cutting-edge photogrammetry techniques, a process involving the synthesis of multiple photographs taken from various angles to construct detailed three-dimensional models. This methodology allows for the creation of remarkably accurate and interactive digital representations of the physical specimens, offering a level of access previously unattainable. Users can explore these intricate models online, rotating and zooming to examine specific features with unprecedented clarity. The project is particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on accessibility and open access principles. The scans themselves, along with the metadata describing each specimen, are freely available for download under a Creative Commons Attribution license, fostering a collaborative environment where researchers can readily share and utilize this valuable data in their own studies.

  The implications of OpenVertebrate are far-reaching. For researchers, this readily accessible collection facilitates comparative anatomical studies, enabling in-depth analysis of evolutionary relationships and morphological variations across different vertebrate groups. Educators can utilize the 3D models as engaging teaching tools, bringing the intricacies of vertebrate anatomy to life in the classroom and enriching the learning experience for students. Moreover, the open access nature of the database democratizes access to these invaluable scientific resources, placing them within reach of a global audience, including those who may not have traditional access to museum collections. OpenVertebrate stands as a testament to the potential of digital technologies to revolutionize scientific research and education, paving the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the remarkable diversity of vertebrate life on Earth.

  • 3D Scanning
  • 3D Models
  • Vertebrates
  • Open Data
  • Database
  • Zoology
  • Biology
  • Paleontology
  • anatomy
  • scientific research
  • open access
  • Digital Collections
  • OpenVertebrate
  • Specimens

  Summary of Comments ( 12 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43589989

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally expressed enthusiasm for the OpenVertebrate project, viewing it as a valuable resource for research, education, and art. Some highlighted the potential for 3D printing and its implications for paleontology and museum studies, allowing access to specimens without handling fragile originals. Others discussed the technical aspects, inquiring about file formats and the scanning process. A few expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability of such projects and the need for consistent funding and metadata standards. Several pointed out the utility for comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology studies. Finally, some users shared links to related projects and resources involving 3D scanning of biological specimens.

  The Hacker News post titled "OpenVertebrate Presents a Database of 13,000 3D Scans of Specimens" has generated several comments discussing the significance and potential applications of the database.

  Several commenters express enthusiasm for the resource. One highlights the potential for 3D printing, envisioning the possibility of printing and assembling a complete skeleton, while acknowledging potential licensing issues. Another user points out the educational value, particularly for those in remote areas or without access to physical specimens. The ability to manipulate and examine the models in 3D is seen as a significant advantage over traditional 2D images.

  Some comments focus on the technical aspects. One user questions the accessibility of the data for those with limited internet access, given the large file sizes. Another inquires about the scanning methodology and file formats used. A commenter with experience in the field points out that the quality of 3D scans can vary significantly and suggests that the database would benefit from including metadata about scan quality. This same commenter expresses excitement about the potential to use the database for geometric morphometrics, a powerful technique for analyzing shape variation.

  There's a discussion about potential applications beyond education and research. One commenter suggests uses in art and design, while another envisions applications in paleontology and comparative anatomy. The possibility of using the models for virtual and augmented reality experiences is also mentioned.

  Finally, a few comments raise important considerations about the ethical implications of digitizing natural history collections, including issues of cultural heritage and repatriation. One commenter raises the point that many of these specimens were likely collected during periods of colonialism and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the historical context.

  Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the OpenVertebrate database, with commenters recognizing its potential to revolutionize fields like education, research, and even art and design. However, the discussion also highlights crucial considerations regarding data accessibility, quality, and the ethical implications of digitizing natural history collections.

• Globe Gores

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  Posted: 2025-04-01 13:33:12

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  "Globe Gores" explores the challenge of representing a spherical Earth on a flat map. The blog post focuses on globe gores, which are the individual, often lens-shaped, segments printed and then meticulously applied to a sphere to create a globe. It highlights the distortions inherent in flattening these gores for printing, referencing various historical gore patterns and explaining how their shapes attempt to minimize these distortions. The post showcases examples from the Library of Congress's collection, emphasizing the craftsmanship and precision required to create these essential components of historical globes.

  Within the hallowed halls of the Library of Congress' Geography and Map Division resides a cartographic curiosity of significant historical import: a collection of globe gores. These meticulously crafted segments, resembling elongated, peel-like sections of a citrus fruit, represent the meticulous deconstruction of a spherical world onto a two-dimensional plane. The blog post elucidates the inherent challenge in accurately portraying the Earth's curved surface on a flat medium, a problem that has vexed cartographers for centuries. Globe gores offer a unique solution, allowing for the creation of a three-dimensional representation by meticulously assembling these individual printed segments onto a spherical form, thereby mimicking the Earth’s true configuration.

  The post highlights the specific example of a terrestrial globe produced by the renowned 19th-century American globe maker, Gilman Joslin. Joslin's gores, meticulously engraved and hand-colored, illustrate not only the geographical knowledge of the time but also the artistic skill involved in such intricate cartographic endeavors. The blog post meticulously details the construction process, emphasizing the precise alignment and adhesion of the individual gores onto a spherical substrate. This procedure involved overlapping the delicately tapered edges of each gore and meticulously securing them to create a seamless and cohesive representation of the terrestrial sphere.

  Furthermore, the post emphasizes the historical significance of these globe gores, not only as artifacts of cartographic ingenuity but also as windows into the evolving understanding of the world during their creation. The depicted geographical features, political boundaries, and nomenclature encapsulated within these gores offer invaluable insights into the prevailing worldview of the 19th century. The Library of Congress’ preservation of these delicate artifacts ensures their continued availability for scholarly research and public appreciation, allowing future generations to glean knowledge from these tangible remnants of cartographic history. In essence, the gores serve as a palpable bridge connecting modern audiences to the scientific and artistic endeavors of past generations, underscoring the enduring pursuit of accurately representing our planet in all its spherical complexity.

  • Globes
  • Cartography
  • Mapmaking
  • Gores
  • Geography
  • Library of Congress
  • maps
  • Printing
  • History of Cartography
  • Digital Collections

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43546607

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users discuss the practical aspects of creating globes from gores, touching on the distortions inherent in representing a 3D sphere on a 2D surface. Some commenters delve into the history of globe-making and the different projections used, while others suggest software and techniques for generating gore patterns, including open-source options like QGIS and G.Projector. A few express fascination with the intricate geometry involved, and some share personal anecdotes about building their own globes. The challenges of aligning and assembling the gores are also highlighted, with tips offered for achieving a smooth, accurate final product. Several users appreciate the Library of Congress's detailed blog post, finding it informative and inspiring.

  The Hacker News post "Globe Gores" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43546607) linking to a Library of Congress blog post about globe gores has a modest number of comments, offering a few different perspectives on the topic.

  Several comments focus on the practical aspects of globe construction. One user highlights the ingenuity of the gore design, allowing a flat map to be transformed into a three-dimensional sphere. Another points out the inherent distortions involved in representing a spherical surface on a flat plane, referencing the Mercator projection as a common example and mentioning how gores offer a different approach to this problem. A further comment elaborates on the challenges of creating distortion-free maps, mentioning the impossibility of perfectly representing the Earth's surface on a flat medium and linking this to the mathematics of manifolds.

  Another commenter discusses the historical context of globe making, referencing the long history of this craft and its significance in navigation and exploration. They specifically note how the creation of accurate globes was a challenging technical feat in earlier eras.

  One comment thread delves into the specific geometry of globe gores, discussing the calculations and considerations involved in designing them. One user questions the specific number of gores used in the example and initiates a discussion about the tradeoffs between the number of gores and the resulting distortion. Another user provides mathematical insights into these tradeoffs.

  A few comments express general appreciation for the elegance and ingenuity of globe gores. One simply expresses delight at learning about this topic, while another appreciates the visual appeal of the gores themselves.

  Finally, one comment pivots the discussion to digital globes, comparing and contrasting traditional globe-making techniques with modern digital representations of the Earth. They mention the prevalence of digital globes and the potential for interactive exploration offered by these tools.