Imaging Procedures: Invertebrate Paleontology Collections

Before applying, please review the conditions below, including specimen requirements, the user agreement, ownership and use of scan data, embargo and access, acknowledgement and compliance. 

Researchers must submit a scanning request to Museum Specialist Peter Daly ([email protected]). The request must include: 

• A list of specimens to be scanned, including catalog number, taxonomy, locality, and stratigraphy. 
• The proposed scanning method(s) (e.g. CT, structured light scanning, photogrammetry) and equipment to be used. 
• The location of the scanning (e.g. on-site during a research visit, or at an external facility). 

All requests for CT scanning and synchrotron X-ray computed microtomography will need to be accompanied by a research loan application, as specimens will leave the Department (see Research Loans). Other surface-scanning methods (e.g. photogrammetry, structured light scanning) will only require a loan application if conducted off-site. 

All applications are reviewed by the Curator-in-Charge. Approval is based on: 

• Scientific merit 
• Justification for the proposed scanning 
• Availability, condition, and significance of the specimens 

Additional conditions may apply for fragile, rare, or high-value material. If approved, applicants will receive written confirmation along with any specific conditions or restrictions. 

• Only specimens with AMNH catalog numbers may be scanned. Specimens without catalog numbers must be assigned one prior to scanning. 
• Specimens may require mounting by museum staff before CT scanning. Mounted specimens must not be altered, removed from their mounts, or otherwise handled outside approved procedures. 

If scanning is approved, each researcher who will access the data must review and sign a User Agreement governing the copyright, licensing, use, and distribution of generated data. Each individual requires a separate agreement. 

If scanning is approved, each researcher who will access the data must review and sign a User Agreement governing the copyright, licensing, use, and distribution of generated data. Each individual requires a separate agreement. 

User Agreement - 3D Scans IP

AMNH requires that all scan data of its specimens is deposited in MorphoSource. 

Transfer of both the raw data and pre-processed data (e.g. tiff, jpeg, dicom files) must take place as soon as practical, and no later than one year from the scanning date, as detailed in the User Agreement, including the Terms and Conditions for scans of AMNH Specimens.  

After you have created an account and are logged in to MorphoSource, follow these steps to upload your data: 

1. Select “AMNH Invertebrate Paleontology” as the specimen’s organization.  
2. Do not modify information in the ownership and permissions section as these have already been set according to AMNH requirements.
3. All Invertebrate Paleontology scans should be saved with the following settings in the Ownership and Permissions section: 

For AMNH specimens borrowed and scanned at an external institution, the Museum will not use those scans and accompanying data, except for internal/archival use, for a period of three years from the scanning date unless otherwise agreed upon with the Borrower. However, AMNH (or other AMNH-approved entities) is in no way limited or restricted from creating their own scans from the same specimens in that time period. 

There is no embargo on AMNH’s use of any scans or data created from a Museum specimen at the MIF scanning facility at the American Museum of Natural History.