Abstract
The region of La Rioja (Spain) is rich in paleontological sites, especially those related to dinosaur fossil footprints, of which more than 150 tracksites with more than 10,000 tracks have been described. The cataloging and systematic study of this heritage requires its correct location in space and the provision of an adequate geometric representation of both the distribution of remains in the sites and the three-dimensional shape of the different fossil elements. In this work, the various geometric documentation techniques used for this purpose (GNSS, photogrammetry and structured light scanner) are presented, as well as the description of the main products that are generated and their usefulness for the study, management, outreach activities and preservation of paleontological heritage in this region. These products will be key to the development of paleontological research projects and the development of educational and outreach tools.
Resumen
La región de La Rioja (España) es rica en yacimientos paleontológicos, especialmente aquellos relacionados con huellas fósiles de dinosaurios, de los cuales se han descrito más de 150 yacimientos con más de 10,000 huellas. La catalogación y el estudio sistemático de este patrimonio requieren su ubicación correcta en el espacio y la provisión de una representación geométrica adecuada tanto de la distribución de restos en los yacimientos como de la forma tridimensional de los diferentes elementos fósiles. En este trabajo, se presentan las diversas técnicas de documentación geométrica utilizadas para este fin (GNSS, fotogrametría y escáner de luz estructurada), así como la descripción de los principales productos que se generan y su utilidad para el estudio, la gestión, las actividades de divulgación y la preservación. De patrimonio paleontológico en esta región. Estos productos serán clave para el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación paleontológica y el desarrollo de herramientas educativas y de divulgación.
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Acknowledgements
This work had the support of the Institute of Rioja Studies (Government of La Rioja) through the 2015 grant “Research Projects of Rioja Thematic” and La Rioja Government by Convenio para la financiación de actividades de la Cátedra Extraordinaria de Patrimonio Paleontológico in the Universidad de La Rioja. Likewise, we would like to thank the IDErioja staff for their collaboration and excellent disposition, in particular, to Mr. Gonzalo López García, and Ms. Ester Pascual Pinedo.
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Torices, A., Valle Melón, J.M., Elorriaga Aguirre, G. et al. Multiscale geometric 3D recording of palaeontological heritage in La Rioja (Spain): regional context, sites, tracks and individual fossils. J Iber Geol 46, 465–474 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41513-020-00132-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41513-020-00132-1