How 3D Scanning helped to unlock the secrets of Mantellisaurus

It’s an easy mistake to make – to believe that the only significant role of 3D CAD Design and Print lies in the industrial sector. This view is so far from the truth. The Mantellisaurus skeleton gives us just one striking example of the versatility of CAD technology.

Mantellisaurus is one of the most complete dinosaur specimens in Britain. It has long fascinated visitors to London’s Natural History Museum. For two years following its installation, the magnificent beast stood proudly in the iconic Hintze Hall. However, a few years ago, in a meticulously planned project, the skeleton was temporarily removed from display – for a very good reason.

Bringing the dinosaur to life with 3D CAD design technology

The Museum’s team, including leading palaeontologists, undertook the delicate task of removing the Mantellisaurus from its glass case to carry out high-resolution 3D scans of its bones. This project wasn’t just about preserving the past. It was about making the dinosaur accessible to scientists worldwide. The digital data collected allows researchers to study this rare specimen, even if they can’t visit the Museum in person.

Meet the remarkable Mantellisaurus

Mantellisaurus atherfieldensis, a herbivore from the Early Cretaceous Period, roamed what is now western Europe. Discovered in 1914, this skeleton is the holotype for its species. This means it’s the standard against which all other finds are compared. Initially classified as a species of Iguanodon, it wasn’t until much later that it was recognised as a separate genus.

For decades, this incredible specimen has been locked away behind glass, limiting access for scientists eager to study its intricate details. But now, thanks to advances in 3D scanning technology, its secrets are being unlocked and shared with the global scientific community.

Scanning every bone

The Museum’s Imaging and Analysis Centre led the charge in scanning the Mantellisaurus bones. Dr Susie Maidment, a dinosaur researcher at the Museum, and her team used state-of-the-art laser scanners to create highly detailed digital models. These 3D models are more than just visual aids – they can be manipulated, rotated, and reassembled on a computer screen, offering scientists new ways to study the skeleton. Researchers were now able to examine the model closely, compare it with other finds, and gain insights that were previously impossible.

A rare opportunity for research

While the Mantellisaurus was out of its case, it provided a unique opportunity for researchers to study it up close. PhD student Joe Bonsor, who is researching iguanodontian dinosaurs at the University of Bath in collaboration with the Museum, took full advantage of this chance.

Joe’s work focuses on understanding the relationships between different iguanodontian species, and studying the Mantellisaurus holotype is crucial to his research. “It’s really important for me to study these bones in person,” he says. “Being able to handle them and examine them from all angles provides insights that just aren’t possible when the skeleton is behind glass.”

The complex process of deconstructing a dinosaur

Removing the Mantellisaurus from display was no simple task. The operation began after the museum closed for the day and took the team all night. It involved carefully unmounting each bone—a process that was just as complex when it came time to reinstall them.

Although time-consuming, the effort made the scanning process much easier. The team recalls previous challenges with scanning other specimens like the stegosaur Dacentrurus, which had to be scanned while still mounted high on a wall.

Sharing the Mantellisaurus with the World

Even though the Mantellisaurus skeleton was temporarily disassembled, it remained a point of interest for museum visitors. Some bones had to be scanned in situ due to their attachment to the mount, but this didn’t detract from the project’s success. Visitors could even watch the scanning process live in the Marine Invertebrates gallery, getting a rare glimpse into the meticulous work of palaeontology.

Despite missing some parts, like the skull, the Mantellisaurus skeleton is remarkably complete, consisting of about 80% to 90% real bone. The missing elements are represented by casts, which, interestingly, were not included in the 3D scans.

A new era for dinosaur research

The Mantellisaurus project marks a significant step forward in dinosaur research. By making high-resolution 3D scans available to scientists worldwide, the Natural History Museum is helping to unlock new discoveries and deepen our understanding of the distant past.

This initiative not only preserves the legacy of Mantellisaurus but also ensures that its secrets continue to inspire and inform for generations to come.

3D Scanning with the latest CAD technology

Do you have a project that we can help you to fulfil using 3D CAD scanning technology? Maybe a piece of jewellery? Perhaps an ornament? Or that Tyrannosaurus fossil you found at the end of the garden? Whatever the nature of your concept, our team of specialists are perfectly placed to bring it to 3D life. That’s what we do … and we’re here to help. With our expertise in 3D CAD design and printing processes, we’ll turn your concepts into reality. We’ll ensure precision and efficiency at every step.

Find out how we’ll work with you to drive your next project forward.