What do U.S. federal investigators and anthropologists at the Smithsonian Institute have in common?
They are both pioneering the use of 3D scanning technology to solve challenging mysteries. Physical shapes hold clues that can be essential in solving tough cases, and a transformation is ocurring in how people work with them. Experts from diverse locations collaborate to solve today’s mysteries, and sharing physical evidence requires either transporting the evidence or key personnel. Both are expensive, and fragile evidence can be damaged while enroute. Digital 3D models allow authorized professionals to gain quick access to the information they need, regardless of location. Software that analyzes and compares 3D models can provide hard data that can help to convince juries and experts alike. To gain these benefits, the physical shape must somehow be digitally captured. 3D scanning bridges this gap between physical and digital, capturing highly detailed and accurate 3D models of physical objects.Whle 3D scanning is not a new concept, the availability of affordable, portable, and easy
