Discovering Palaeontological Cultural Heritage Using Micro Computed Tomography: The G.A.M.P.S. Case Study

Fossils reveal information lost over time, offering insights into the life and death of single individuals as well as of the entire populations and of the paleoenvironment. Their management as cultural heritage must consider the needs of preservation, research, and dissemination. Today, palaeontological research can be improved through digital technologies and sophisticated imaging methods like Computed Tomography (CT). However, the use of such techniques is still underexploited in the context of palaeontological museum, while the availability of virtual collections would reduce the necessity of manipulation of the real objects, boosting research and preservation strategies. Additionally, high quality images and 3D reconstruction would enhance the quality of museum visit, allowing visitors to examine the fossils with increased details and a deeper scientific meaning. Simultaneously, virtual tours of museums including 3D reconstructions of fossils would be possible thanks to digital technology. This paper presents the case study of the G.A.M.P.S. permanent exhibition (Scandicci, Italy), where advanced micro-CT scan techniques were applied to some examples of the Tuscany Pliocene collection, such as shark teeth, shells, crabs. Impressive 3D reconstructions were obtained, including the initial reconstruction of the Chlamydoselachus lawleyi shark. All the reconstructions are now part of both real and virtual exhibition.