Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 April 2017
Laser and structured light scanners are primary tools for acquiring surface details of body and trace fossils and have been widely used to study vertebrate specimens. Comparison of different scanner types shows their relative advantages and limitations. Regardless of scanning device, the workflow from initial scan to final product involves registration and some editing for archival or research-grade products. Additional steps, including further object editing and optimization, are required to prepare a scan file for web viewing, animation, and three-dimensional (3-D) printing.