Laser Scanning to Track Dinosaurs
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Laser Scanning to Track Dinosaurs

3D Laser Mapping (United Kingdom) has supplied a high performance laser scanning system to assist with a European research project to map the footprints of dinosaurs.

The project, jointly undertaken by the University of Manchester and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, used a Riegl laser scanner with integrated digital camera and satellite positioning technology to accurately record and locate individual dinosaur footprints. The project is tracing the movements of dinosaurs and is assessing the effects of weathering and erosion on the footprints.
 
“This project would simply not have been possible without the laser scanning system,” said Dr David Hodgetts, Lecturer in Reservoir Modelling and Petroleum Geology, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester. “Due to the fragile environment and the sensitivity of the site we were not permitted direct contact and therefore all measurements had to taken remotely. Laser scanning allowed the rapid, high resolution digital mapping of an otherwise inaccessible site.”
 
Manchester University has one of the largest groups of researchers in the UK with expertise in a range of specialist subjects including Palaeontology and Dinosaur Locomotion. This project will document and record the effects of weathering and erosion on the dinosaur relics and provide a permanent record in order that researchers can understand the movements of these ancient reptiles.

Source: 3D Laser Mapping

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