A Virtual Necropsy: Applications of 3D Scanning for Marine Mammal Pathology and Education

Abstract

Stranded large whales represent an opportunity to learn about the anatomy and health of these cryptic free-ranging animals. However, where time and access is frequently limited, law enforcement and management priorities often take precedence over research, outreach, and educational uses. On 14 March 2021, a dead female adult humpback whale was reported stranded on an uninhabited island 15 miles west of Sitka, Alaska. The whale was three-dimensionally scanned using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and photogrammetry before, during, and at multiple time points after a necropsy, including full decomposition 17 days later (NOAA Fisheries permit 18786-01). These scans were organized and displayed on the site Sketchfab with annotations and made publically available as a “4D virtual necropsy” (the fourth dimension is time). After one month, our user survey indicated widespread interest in the platform by both the local community and worldwide by stranding professionals, researchers, and educators. We are unaware of another 3D scan involving a large whale with soft tissue for teaching, research, or public display, despite the ease of 3D scanning with current technologies and the wide-ranging applications.

Confirmation of Heart Malformations in Fetuses in the First Trimester Using Three-Dimensional Histologic Autopsy

“…30 Histologic 3D imaging reconstruction is an important step in the field. It provides additional advantages, including medical teaching 31–37 and telemedicine, because the reconstructions can be re-examined by various practitioners. This technique also facilitates remote analysis and reduces the time and costs of transfer of physical pathology samples between institutions.…”

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Marine Mammal Research: A Review of Current Applications and Challenges

“…Accurate three-dimensional (3D) models of marine mammals can be developed for computational fluid dynamic models of locomotion or for educational purposes [89,92]. For example, Chenoweth et al [103] developed a 3D virtual necropsy of a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) using drone photogrammetry, providing valuable educational resources.…”