Techniques for Virtual Palaeontology, Enhanced Edition

Virtual palaeontology, the use of interactive three-dimensionaldigital models as a supplement or alternative to physical specimensfor scientific study and communication, is rapidly becomingimportant to scientists and researchers in the field. Usingnon-invasive techniques, the method allows the capture of largequantities of useful data without damaging the fossils beingstudiedTechniques for Virtual Palaeontology guidespalaeontologists through the decisions involved in designing avirtual palaeontology workflow and gives a comprehensive overview,providing discussions of underlying theory, applications,historical development, details of practical methodologies, andcase studies. Techniques covered include physical-opticaltomography (serial sectioning), focused ion beam tomography, allforms of X-ray CT, neutron tomography, magnetic resonance imaging,optical tomography, laser scanning, and photogrammetry.Visualization techniques and data/file formats are also discussedin detail.Readership: All palaeontologists and studentsinterested in three-dimensional visualization and analysis.New Analytical Methods in Earth and EnvironmentalScienceBecause of the plethora of analytical techniques now available,and the acceleration of technological advance, many earthscientists find it difficult to know where to turn for reliableinformation on the latest tools at their disposal, and may lack theexpertise to assess the relative strengths or limitations of aparticular technique. This new series will address thesedifficulties by providing accessible introductions to important newtechniques, lab and field protocols, suggestions for data handlingand interpretation, and useful case studies. The series representsan invaluable and trusted source of information for researchers,advanced students and applied earth scientists wishing tofamiliarise themselves with emerging techniques in their field.This enhanced e-book offers the following features:* Full colour and high quality graphics* Full searchability* Internal links to glossaries, cross-references, figures andtables and other pedagogy* External links to websites, including DOI linking forreferences and further reading