Virtual Anthropology (VA): Methodological aspects of linear and volume measurements - First results

Virtual Anthropology (VA) is the three-dimensional analysis of anthropologi cal objects within a computer environment. For the investigation of fossil hominid material the VA approach is a very powerful and essential technique to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. The permanent accessibility o f the virtual objects and the possibility to study inner structures are str iking advantages. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the usefulnes s and problems of VA and to provide data on accuracy and reproducibility. 1 0 Homo sapiens skulls were CT-scanned and were measured on the computer and with established methods (calipers and mustard seeds/water displacement). Different co-variables like sex, age, observer and class and dimension of m easurement were included. The results are very promising: The mean of absol ute difference for linear measurements is 0.71 mm +/- 0.55 (0.58% +/- 0.49) , and 31.59 ccm +/- 13.37 (2.26% +/- 0.86) for volume measurements. Reprodu cibility is 0.11 mm +/- 0.15 for located landmarks and 0.37 mm +/- 0.41 for relocating landmarks. Age and class of measurement are significant factors .