Blender as a tool for palaeoichnological research: Case study from Lark Quarry

Abstract

The digitisation of tracks, tracksites, and trackmakers has become of increasing interest for modern dinosaur ichnologists, offering research methods for the objective acquisition and documentation of track surface topologies but can also significantly enhance scientific communication to broader communities by facilitating the visualisation of 2D and 3D tracksite and trackmaker data. This paper explores the expanded use of digital techniques for the study of palaeontological sites, specifically using Blender – a versatile open-source 3D software – on the dinosaur tracksites within the Lark Quarry Conservation Park. Blender is primarily a visualisation tool that enables, but is not limited to, the creation of detailed 3D models and animations. While this study highlights some of these functionalities, it notably demonstrates how Blender’s customisable Python scripting can be leveraged to automate the analysis of trackway parameters and biomechanical data. Moreover, this study introduces Blender add-ons directly relevant to ichnological studies with intuitive, user-friendly interfaces, enabling palaeontologists to effectively utilise advanced digital tools within their research. These innovations broaden the accessibility of advanced digital methods to the palaeontological community and pave the way for more efficient analysis of fossil trackways.