60 2YC and 4YCU Geoscience Student Research Poster Showcase
This session is designed for two-year college (2YC) and four-year college and university (4YCU) students presenting research posters in any sub-discipline of geoscience.
Sunday, 19 October 2025
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, Hall 1
Digital Paleontology: Uncovering Preservation Patterns in Paleozoic Fossils using 3D Scanning and Morphometry
Paper number: 60-18
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Authors
Abstract
3D technology has become an increasingly valuable tool in geology, allowing for the
scanning, modeling, and printing of geological specimens. Its affordability and
adaptability have made it popular among museums, research institutions, and academic
programs. This project investigated the effectiveness of low-cost 3D scanning and
printing for use in both lab and field settings. In the lab, the Magic Swift Plus scanner
paired with JM Studios software performed reliably, allowing us to produce accurate
scans of rock samples. These scans were successfully printed using the Creality K2
Plus and the Bambu Lab X1E printers, with only minor technical issues during the
printing process. The second phase of the research tested whether this low-cost
technology could be used effectively in the field, particularly at Devonian fossil sites in
New York, Ohio, and Indiana. At locations such as the Falls of the Ohio, where
collection is not permitted, we attempted on-site scanning. However, the scanners did
not perform adequately under outdoor conditions. Bright sunlight, shadows, and surface
variations interfered with the scanning process, preventing us from capturing viable
data. These environmental variables revealed that while the equipment is well-suited to
controlled lab environments, it lacks the capability to function reliably in the field.
Despite this limitation, the project still yielded valuable fossil specimens for scanning
and printing. The research highlights both the promise and the current limitations of
affordable 3D scanning technology for geological applications.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414612
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