3D Digitization Strategies for Quality Assurance in the Preservation and Dissemination of Anatomical Artifacts

Universities have become repositories for preserving and exhibiting artificial anatomical artifacts, which were crucial in the scientific advancement of the 18th and 19th centuries. Over time, these artifacts fell into disuse due to new pedagogical methods. Today, there are challenges for their conservation and exhibition, although new ways of displaying collections are being explored. 3D digital technologies are promising but require constant review to ensure quality and accuracy in heritage documentation. This research examines the 3D digitization of artificial human, animal, and plant anatomical elements using photogrammetry and structured light scanning. It focuses on achieving an accurate volumetric record of high-resolution and faithful color textures to ensure the best preservation and dissemination. The findings highlight new image-processing strategies in photogrammetry, including procedures for dealing with out-of-focus areas before the processing phase. The design and 3D printing of targets, which improve the registration of volumes during scanning, are also discussed. The anatomical models obtained show solutions to common challenges in digitizing complex artifacts. This methodology, although specific to certain artifacts, can be adapted to any cultural object.