Triassic_Dinosaur_Tracks

thingiverse

I used photogrammetry to create a detailed model of some Triassic dinosaur tracks I discovered in a creek bed while conducting field work along the Colorado-Oklahoma border in 2017. This is one of the many advantages of photogrammetry, as it allows for precise documentation without physically touching the fossils. Traditionally, paleontologists relied on plaster, latex, or silicone to create molds and casts of fossil trackways, a method that can potentially cause lasting damage to these sensitive sites. However, this practice has largely been discouraged among professionals due to its destructive nature. Unfortunately, many non-experts still employ plaster casting techniques, which are now considered vandalism when executed on public lands in the United States. By leveraging photogrammetry and 3D printing, anyone can recreate fossil tracks without causing harm or breaking any laws, eliminating the need for cumbersome equipment like water and plaster – a significant advantage over traditional methods. The model is presented at actual size, showcasing the diminutive stature of these ancient creatures. The flatter face represents the track surface with no vertical exaggeration, while the opposite side features a mirrored surface with 3X vertical exaggeration to highlight the prints. Printed at approximately one-third scale, this model turned out smoothly without requiring a raft or support. This article includes an image demonstrating the lasting damage caused by repeatedly using plaster to cast footprints. http://www.moabtimes.com/view/full_story/26733677/article-Mulitple-dinosaur-footprints-found-vandalized-at-Bull-Canyon-Tracksite?instance=home_news_2nd_left