Testing different 3D techniques using geometric morphometrics: Implications for cranial fluctuating asymmetry in humans

Bibliographic Data

ID24314573
AuthorsT B Olsen (0000-0001-7439-5269, Laboratory of Advanced Imaging and 3D modelling, Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark), Daniel García‐martínez (0000-0001-7518-3866, Physical Anthropology Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain), Chiara Villa (0000-0002-9967-8131, Laboratory of Advanced Imaging and 3D modelling, Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark)
Year2023
Volume180
Issue1
Pages224-234
Publication date2023-01-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2692-7691 • E-ISSN: 2692-7691
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajpa.24657
PMID36790697
OpenAlexW4309350121
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited72

Abstract This study aimed to test the performance of 3D digitizer, CT scanner, and surface scanner in detecting cranial fluctuating asymmetry. Sets of 32 landmarks (6 in the midline and 13 bilateral) were acquired from 14 archeological crania using a 3D digitizer, and from 3D models generated from a CT scanner and surface scanner using Viewbox 4. Levels of shape variation were analyzed in MorphoJ using Procrustes analysis of variance and Principal component analysis. Intra‐observer error accounted for 1.7%, 1.8%, and 4.5% of total shape variation for 3D digitizer, CT scanner, and surface scanner respectively. Fluctuating asymmetry accounted for 15%–16% of total shape variation. Variation between techniques accounted for 18% of total shape variation. We found a higher level of missing landmarks in our surface scan data than for both 3D digitizer and CT scanner data, and both 3D model‐based techniques sometimes obscured taphonomic damage. All three 3D techniques are appropriate for measuring cranial fluctuating asymmetry. We advise against combining data collected with different techniques.

3D digitization · 3D model comparison · Computed tomography · cranial shape variation · measurement error · surface scanning · 3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Morphological variations and asymmetry