Variation in the Measurement of Cranial Volume and Surface Area Using 3D Laser Scanning Technology |
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Authors: | Sabrina B. Sholts M.A. Sebastian K.T.S. Wärmländer Ph.D. Louise M. Flores B.A. Kevin W.P. Miller Ph.D. Phillip L. Walker Ph.D. |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106‐3210;2. Division of Biophysics, Arrhenius Laboratories, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;3. UCLA/Getty Conservation Program, A410 Fowler Bldg., University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095‐1510;4. Departments of Chemistry and Criminology, California State University, Fresno, 2576 E San Ramon Avenue, M/S ST 104, Fresno, CA 93740.;5. Posthumous. |
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Abstract: | Abstract: Three‐dimensional (3D) laser scanner models of human crania can be used for forensic facial reconstruction, and for obtaining craniometric data useful for estimating age, sex, and population affinity of unidentified human remains. However, the use of computer‐generated measurements in a casework setting requires the measurement precision to be known. Here, we assess the repeatability and precision of cranial volume and surface area measurements using 3D laser scanner models created by different operators using different protocols for collecting and processing data. We report intraobserver measurement errors of 0.2% and interobserver errors of 2% of the total area and volume values, suggesting that observer‐related errors do not pose major obstacles for sharing, combining, or comparing such measurements. Nevertheless, as no standardized procedure exists for area or volume measurements from 3D models, it is imperative to report the scanning and postscanning protocols employed when such measurements are conducted in a forensic setting. |
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Keywords: | forensic science forensic anthropology 3D laser scanning digital morphometrics cranial morphology digital imaging |
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