The museum will install the company's scanning cameras and software to produce true-to-life, full-color, 3-D models of specimens from its natural history collections. The images will be used for education, research and collections management and will enhance the exchange of scientific information based on the study of real objects.
Arius3D's system not only provides the 3-D geometry of an object, but also a measure of the object's actual color, regardless of ambient light.
"It's the next best thing to seeing them first-hand," said Joanne DiCosimo, president and CEO of the musem. "This project is an exciting and innovative way to research and share Canada's remarkable natural heritage."
The center, which is expected to open in January, will be staffed by three technicians and will offer its services to other museums, federal agencies and research institutions in the National Capital Region. Support for the center is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canadian Culture Online Program).
For more information, visit: www.arius3d.com. To see an online demo of the 3-D technology, visit: nature.ca/museum/press/2002/pr02-11-18_img_e.cfm#sidebar1