3D Surface Scanner
Vienna Surface Scanner Lab
Capturing form and color without touching the original
The Vienna Surface Scanner Lab provides high-resolution 3D surface scanning for biological, anthropological and archaeological research. We create digital models of objects, bodies and anatomical structures — capturing shape, texture and volume without invasive procedures or ionizing radiation.
Our scanners support research where precision, mobility and preservation matter: from sensitive skeletal material and museum objects to living organisms and field-based data collection
What we do
We capture detailed three-dimensional surface data using structured-light and handheld 3D scanning systems.
We create digital specimens that can be stored, shared, revisited and re-measured.
We turn complex biological and archaeological forms into clear, communicable 3D models for research, teaching and presentation.
We support geometric morphometric analyses by generating surface data suitable for landmarks, semilandmarks, meshes and shape comparison.
Why surface scanning?
Surface scanning allows researchers to document complex forms in high detail while protecting the original material. It is especially valuable for fragile specimens, sensitive collections and living subjects. The resulting digital models can be used for measurement, visualization, reconstruction, comparison and long-term archiving.
Technology
The lab works with mobile and high-resolution scanning systems, including Artec Eva, Artec Spider and Breuckmann OptoTop. These systems use active light projection and can capture both geometry and color information.
Their mobility allows scanning not only in the lab, but also in museums, collections and international research contexts.
Research applications
Our 3D surface scans support research on facial form, skeletal and dental morphology, soft tissue modelling, geometric morphometrics and comparative anatomy. They are also used for the documentation and analysis of abiotic objects such as stone slabs, artefacts and other material surfaces. Digital surfaces make it possible to analyze shape variation, reconstruct incomplete specimens and compare biological structures across individuals, populations or species.
Selected projects
Facial shape and perception
3D facial scans allow researchers to study how biological variation in facial form relates to perception, age, body size, hormones and other traits.
Figure adapted from Mitteroecker and Schaefer (2022), “Thirty years of geometric morphometrics: Achievements, challenges, and the ongoing quest for biological meaningfulness,” American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 178(S74), 181–210. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Quantifying skeletal morphology
Digital surface data can support the analysis of skeletal features such as entheses, articular surfaces and complex anatomical structures.
external link to ORF, Mayrs Magazin, Forschen an der "Wiege der Menschheit", 26. Juni 2026