ATLAS 3D: a bridge project between research and teaching in palaeontology
Résumé
The use of 3D imaging techniques is nowadays widespread in palaeontological research
and oers new opportunities to prepare demonstrative gures for publication, and tools to
animate images for communication. Although the value of 3D technologies is fully demon-
strated in research, it remains poorly explored for teaching biology, geology and palaeontology
in the University undergraduate programs.
We developed the project ATLAS 3D (Sorbonne Universite, FormInnov project): an in-
teractive pdf of 3D objects commonly studied when teaching Natural Sciences including
palaeontology. The transfer of research expertise to education is expected to improve the
way students can learn and increase their skills. Examples of objects already available in
ATLAS 3D include microfossils (foraminifers), cephalopods, cnidarian, brachiopods. ATLAS
3D can be used with an open access software (Adobe Acrobat Reader), allowing the user to
navigate through the object using slicing tools. The anatomical structures can be selected
and therefore viewed independently, allowing for example to highlight dierences between
the external skeleton/shell and internal cavities or structures. Pre-selected views can also be
recorded by the teacher in order to label or comment anatomical features.
At the hinge of recent research in palaeontology and museography, this tool is designed to
increase the autonomy of the students and ease the understanding of anatomy.