Paleontological Modeling Example—'Anchisauripus' track

Fossil vertebrate tracks are a valuable scientific resource, are of great interest to the general public and are present in at least 30 NPS managed areas (Santucci et al., 2006; 2009). Vertebrate tracks are sources of diagnostic information such as the morphology of pes and manus impressions for extinct taxa. Because these types of fossils are valuable for the scientific information, they often represent challenges for preservation when maintained in situ; often at risk from weathering and anthropogenic impacts (Santucci et al., 2009). As such, these fossils are potential targets for vandalism, including poor attempts to make molds or casts, and loss from unauthorized collection (Santucci, 2002). This track from Gettysburg was modeled using photogrammetric methods and then printed using a 3D-printer.

3D Fossil Anchisauripus track
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

_{Gettysburg Anchisauripus track by National Park Service Geologic Resources Division on Sketchfab}

Alternative Text for the 3D Model

A 3D model. This model shows a three-toed track in a slab of stone. The model can be rotated and tilted using a computer interface.

Anchisauripus track within quarried block used by CCC in the 1930s.