Parent and children
An adult stegosaurus track (right) modeled in 3D, along with two baby stegosaurus tracks (top and bottom right).
Parent and child
The real-life views of the same adult and baby tracks modeled in three dimensions.
Looking at the size
A depth map of a stegosaurus footprint, made using photogrammetry. The technique stitches 2D photographs into 3D models, enabling researchers to study the topography of the tracks.
Checking it out
A depth map of an adult stegosaurus track from Morrison, Colorado. Purple indicates the lowest portion of the track.
Getting more info
A depth map of a stegosaurus track from Morrison, Colorado. The depth of the track can help indicate which part of the foot was bearing weight during the step.
Building the model
Scientists use photogrammetric software to create and manipulate 3D models of the stegosaurus trackways. This image shows how multiple camera angles combine to build the 3D model.
Tracing the shape
A view of a stegosaurus track from Morrison with color and rock texture removed. Taking the color out of the picture can help researchers focus on the shape of the track.
The shape for real
The same stegosaurus track seen with the original rock color and texture.
Tracing the shapes
Tracks, including a tiny print from a baby stegosaurus, with color and texture removed.
The real-life shapes
The same tracks from Morrison, Colorado, seen with the original rock color and texture. Each section of the black-and-white scale bar represents one centimeter.
