Semester of Graduation
Fall 2025
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Geography and Anthropology
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine whether digital three-dimensional models can serve as a viable alternative to physical human remains to allow continued research on fragile physical specimens. As digital three-dimensional models have become increasingly prevalent in anthropological and archaeological research, it is essential to assess their limitations and capabilities, particularly for subjective assessments that rely heavily on visual interpretation (Remondino & El-Hakim, 2006). While previous studies have focused on the use of digital three-dimensional models for quantitative measurements, their effectiveness for subjective analyses remains unclear (Cooper et al., 2003; Sholts et al., 2010; Stull et al., 2014; Reynolds et al., 2017; Omari et al., 2021). To address this possible limitation, cranial suture-based age estimation was selected as the primary metric in this study. This method is inherently subjective, relying on visual assessment rather than quantifiable measurements, making it an ideal test case for evaluating whether digital three-dimensional models can support interpretive judgments, not just objective data collection. Thirty digital three-dimensional models were created from ten physical crania using three different modeling techniques: traditional photogrammetry (Agisoft Metashape), cellular photogrammetry (RealityScan), and structured light scanning (Artec 3D Space Spider). Five cranial sutures were selected for analysis: the coronal pterica, sagittal obelica, lambdoidal asterica, zygomaticomaxillary, and interpalatine. Student participants scored the sutures on the physical crania and then repeated the scoring process using the thirty digital three-dimensional models during two separate scoring sessions. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze the results and account for repeated measures and inter-observer variability. The results demonstrated that models created with the Artec 3D Space Spider most closely approximated the scores from the physical specimens across four of the five sutures. Specifically, the results indicate that the RealityScan models provided the most similar responses for the zygomaticomaxillary suture. Agisoft Metashape and RealityScan produced moderately comparable results, but their accuracy varied depending on the anatomical location of the suture and the individual cranium. RealityScan models were more prone to surface distortion in areas that required post-scan merging, which occasionally compromised scoring accuracy. These findings suggest that digital three-dimensional models can effectively be used to evaluate subjective morphological traits, such as cranial suture closure. However, the quality and reliability of the model are highly dependent on the method used for model creation. Structured light scanning offers the most consistent visual accuracy, while photogrammetry-based methods are viable alternatives under constrained conditions. This study supports the inclusion of digital three-dimensional models in anthropological research and provides a framework for evaluating their effectiveness in analyzing subjectively scored skeletal features.
Date
10-8-2025
Recommended Citation
Wood, Jeanne R., "Comparing the Consistency between Age Estimations Across Various Three-Dimensional Model Creation Methods in an Attempt to find a Practical Proxy for Physical Remains" (2025). LSU Master's Theses. 6229.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/6229
Committee Chair
Brophy, Juliet K.
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