Yes, a 3d scanner can scan fossils and offers great advantages in paleology. Fossils are highly fragile and demand precise recordation so that their details do not get destroyed. With a 3d scanner, paleontologists can capture high-resolution, three-dimensional digital models of the fossils, even the tiniest features, with a typical resolution up to 0.1 mm. These models can thereafter be analyzed and studied in detail without any physical manipulation of the original fossil.
For instance, the British Museum of Natural History used 3d scanners to digitally preserve a 200-million-year-old dinosaur footprint. With the use of a 3d scanner with an accuracy of up to 0.05 mm, the museum was able to document the fossil in great detail, thus enabling scientists to study the fossil remotely without the risk of deterioration. It finds increased usage in creating digital archives of rare fossils for access to the public and for international collaborations in fossil research.
Other than preservation, 3D scanning helps in restoration and reconstruction of fragmented fossils. A 3D scanner can capture the remaining parts of the fossil and thus aid in the digital reconstruction of the missing sections. One interesting method undertaken by researchers at the University of Bristol in 2016 involves the use of a 3D scanner to recreate pieces of bones belonging to some ancient fish. These allowed experts to obtain the virtual reconstruction of its skeleton and, with it, perform accurate study supported by detailed knowledge. Another critical use of 3D scanners in paleontology is the study of internal structures. The detail commonly found in well-preserved fossils may often include soft tissue or minute detail that may often not be visible. Therefore, to bring about and explain to people some intricate internal features such as bones, teeth, and even the sign of any disease through sectioning by 3D laser scanning, scientists need to image fossils. The Smithsonian Institution applied 3D scanning to study internal features of a 6,000-year-old human skull for new insights into the development of ancient humans.
Other benefits of 3D scanning include increased public engagement. Fossils that have been scanned and stored digitally can be shared with researchers globally and made available for virtual exhibits, allowing access to people who may not be able to see the fossils in person. Such broad data sharing is an increasing trend within the paleontological community, and platforms like Sketchfab make more than 100,000 scanned fossils digitally accessible for public education and research.
In some cases, 3D scanning technology is also being utilized in the creation of physical replicas of fossils, further facilitating the display of authentic models of rare or fragile specimens in museums and learning centers. For example, the Natural History Museum in London recently utilized a 3d scanner in making a life-sized replica of a skeleton of the Tyrannosaurus rex, which later went on display for educational purposes.
It thus offers immense value in paleontology by allowing scientists to capture, preserve, and study fossils in a non-invasive manner. Whether for creating detailed digital models, reconstructing fragmented specimens, or enabling international collaboration, the accuracy and versatility of 3-D scanners have become essential tools in modern fossil research.