3D imaging and reconstruction
Methods and collections
From fossil to scientific model
A three-dimensional model can help researchers study, compare and present a fossil. It can also bring fragments together virtually when no complete skeleton was found in the field.
The method in practice
Digitisation records a surface or, depending on the technique, internal structures. Processing can reunite fragments, correct some deformation, mirror elements and assess proportions. The model combines preserved specimens with reconstructed anatomy.
At Angeac and in regional comparisons
Florent Goussard reconstructed the Angeac ornithomimosaur from numerous remains. The model combines specimens from several individuals and includes reconstructed elements.
What this research reveals
3D methods support detailed study, shape comparison and public engagement. Surface scanning records external shape; tomography reveals internal structures.
Specimens and data
Assembling a digital skeleton from separate bones
This reconstruction uses surface scans of 232 bones. The elements are scaled to a 40 cm femur: it is a scientific reconstruction, rather than a skeleton found fully articulated.
Enlarge each plate to examine labels, specimen identifiers and scale bars.
3D for research
Florent Goussard: reconstructing to investigate
At the Centre de recherche en paléontologie – Paris (CR2P), Florent Goussard is a research engineer and lecturer. He works with X-ray tomography, surface scans, photogrammetry and polygonal models. These data allow structures to be isolated virtually, deformation to be corrected and specimens to be reassembled without directly handling fragile fossils.
Ronan Allain and Florent Goussard reconstructed the composite skeleton of Angeac’s ornithomimosaur from 232 elements. This digital assembly combines bones from several individuals to reconstruct the animal’s anatomy, compare proportions and study skeletal articulation.
3D for public engagement
Bringing animals and landscapes to life
Turning a collection of bones into a moving animal involves further choices: body volume, covering, colour, lighting, vegetation and behaviour. With researchers’ support, artists and animation studios turn knowledge of Angeac into images, films and immersive experiences. These creations introduce audiences to the animals and landscapes revealed by our excavations.
A film for the 2017 exhibition
Náyade: an animated journey into Angeac’s world
For the exhibition Dinosaures, les géants du vignoble at the Musée d’Angoulême, Náyade created a four-minute 3D panorama. Four months of production brought the wetland and its animals to life. The sound design is by Edgar Nicouleau. Accompanying the exhibition’s fossils and scenery, the film offers visitors an animated vision of the ecosystem.
Behind the exhibition · Magelis ↗ · Watch the film on Vimeo ↗
An immersive, interactive experience
Cortex Productions and Grand Cognac: among the dinosaurs
Launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025, the experience Au milieu des dinosaures d’Angeac-Charente uses Cortex Productions’ Tumulte® system. Paléocharente’s discoveries and scientific expertise inform the reconstruction of the animals and their environment. The 2025 version offers fifteen minutes of immersion and interaction, from dawn to nightfall.
This visitor experience introduces the animals and their environment through audiovisual interpretation, distinct from scientific anatomical reconstruction. Find information to plan your visit.
Grand Cognac’s presentation ↗ · The experience presented by Magelis ↗ · Discover Angeac as a visitor →
People and expertise
Florent Goussard contributes his expertise in digitisation and three-dimensional reconstruction. Modelling decisions are assessed against anatomy, available specimens and palaeontologists’ observations.
Further reading
Overview reference: Dinosaures, les géants du vignoble (2017), pp. 216–217; tomography discussed on pp. 134–135.
