While online collections make exhibitions accessible by allowing users to view their contents remotely, these exhibitions are often restricted to the confines of a two-dimensional image. The UMORF 3D Interface (a project of the University of Michigan's Museum of Paleontology) takes the user experience one step further by employing 3D viewer technology to bring fossils to life. The site includes select models of 3D Invertebrates and 3D vertebrates, which are found under the corresponding tabs at the link above. After reading a brief biography about the species (including its classification and location), users will want to click on the image to navigate to the 3D viewer. The viewer allows users to rotate (using the left mouse), zoom (using the mouse wheel), pan (using the right mouse), and change the center of rotation (using the spacebar) to examine the specimen in an interactive, realistic, and multi-dimensional way. The project aims to create a product that has utility for researchers and educators, as well as general fossil aficionados. To learn more about the goals, methods, and history of the UMORF 3D Interface, as well as the many different individuals who contributed to its success, readers will want to visit the sections under the About tab.
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