MorphoSource
MorphoSource is a project-based data archive that allows researchers to store and organize, share, and distribute their own 3d data. Furthermore any registered user can immediately search for and download 3d morphological data sets that have been made accessible through the consent of data authors.
African Fossils
This virtual lab showcases a spectacular collection of fossils and artifacts found mostly at Lake Turkana in East Africa. The digital collection of animals, human ancestors, as well as ancient stone tools offers a unique tool for scholars and enthusiasts to explore and interact with the collection online. It also provides an opportunity to download models for 3-D printing as well as to comment and share images of your favorite printed fossil objects on our forum.
University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology
1. Generate digital models of specimens in the UMMP collection of Type and Figured specimens to facilitate access to these frequently requested specimens, reducing the need for loans of this material and the consequent risk of damage to specimens during transport. 2. Provide access to digital models of comprehensively identified skeletal elements of select comparative specimens to serve as a digital reference collection, facilitating anatomical identifications of new specimens. 3. Serve as an archive of images and diagrams, 3D models, and animations illustrating research and educational projects that have been published separately or are in progress. 4. Create 3D site models that can be explored interactively, with links to 3D models of significant specimens and viewing modes that highlight stratigraphic as well as spatial relationships. 5. Create model libraries that can be used for development of mapping utilities for the documentation of new sites in both 2D and 3D formats.
Phenome10K
This site provides 3D scans – CT and surface – of biological and palaeontological specimens for free download by the academic and educational community. Search and contribute today!
Digital Morphology
The Digital Morphology library is a dynamic archive of information on digital morphology and high-resolution X-ray computed tomography of biological specimens. Browse through the site and see spectacular imagery and animations and details on the morphology of many representatives of the Earth’s biota.
e-Foram Stock
e-Foram Stock is an experimental website for the delivery of e-Specimen over computer networks, and is the new specimen reference system, making use of three-dimensional virtual models developed by Tohoku University Museum.
What does it mean to be human? Smithsonian 3D Collection
Welcome to our 3D collection of fossils, artifacts, primates, and other animals. The purpose of this collection is to allow you to view your favorite objects from our David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins or to examine many of the primate and other animal skeletons housed in our museum’s collections. All of the virtual objects on display were either CT or laser scanned. The scanning process enabled us to generate 3D models of each object that you can view, rotate, and interact with online. It may take a minute or two to load depending on your computer, but after it is loaded you will be able to move the 3D object around by holding down the left-click button and moving your mouse.
Paleobiology and Fossil Whales: Webcast and Teaching Resources
Dr. Nick Pyenson is a paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History. Join him in uncovering fossil whales in Panama, Canada, and Chile. Probe into the evolutionary mysteries contained in fossil whale skeletons. Download Smithsonian X3D: 3D model of a Cerro Ballena whale
Smithsonian X3D
Smithsonian X 3D launches a set of use cases which apply various 3D capture methods to iconic collection objects, as well as scientific missions. These projects indicate that this new technology has the potential not only to support the Smithsonian mission, but to transform museum core functions.
GB3D Type Fossils
The GB3D Type Fossils Online project, funded by JISC, aims to develop a single database of the type specimens, held in British collections, of macrofossil species and subspecies found in the UK, including links to photographs (including ‘anaglyph’ stereo pairs) and a selection of 3D digital models.
Virtual Fossils
Virtual Fossils is a free online atlas of ancient organisms, consisting of interactive 3-D computer reconstructions of fossils, together with information about their significance for understanding the history of life. Many of the virtual fossils on this site were produced using computed tomography.
STL finder
Search free 3D models from the major repositories in Internet. 3D models for 3d printing available for download. Get professional 3d models for your 3d design projects.
Iowa State University GeoFab Lab
All of the models from the GeoFabLab were scanned either from natural specimens or replicas (e.g., wooden models of crystal shapes).
Inside-Zoo
Inside-Zoo is a site dedicated to the marvelous world of animal anatomy and physiology. By applying modern medical imaging techniques (MR, CT, PET, US) they have generated an ever growing library of anatomical data from both well-known and exotic species. Providing images, movies, interactive models and 3D-print-files of animal anatomy and physiology they seek to aid our fellow researchers in their quest to understand how animals function and capture the imagination of the layman.
The First 3D Atlas of the Extinct Dodo
The dodo represents one of the best-known examples of extinction caused by humans, yet we know surprisingly little about this flightless pigeon from a scientific perspective. Now, for the first time since its extinction, a 3-D atlas of the skeletal anatomy of the dodo has been created, based upon two exceptional dodo skeletons that have remained unstudied for over a century.
NASA 3D Resources
Here you’ll find a growing collection of 3D models, textures, and images from inside NASA. All of these resources are free to download and use.
Thingiverse
MakerBot’s Thingiverse is a thriving design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable things. As the world’s largest 3D printing community, we believe that everyone should be encouraged to create and remix 3D things, no matter their technical expertise or previous experience. In the spirit of maintaining an open platform, all designs are encouraged to be licensed under a Creative Commons license, meaning that anyone can use or alter any design.