FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Federici
415.488.9500 415.488.1647 (fax)
lisa@scansite.com

Scansite Brings Groundbreaking Technology to Researchers of Sue,
the 8.4 Million Dollar Dinosaur

San Anselmo, CA -- October 17, 1997 -- Scansite, a service bureau focused completely on 3D digital cloning, announces the creation of the first 3D scanned database of Sue, the 8.4 million dollar Tyrannosaurus Rex. In partnership with leading edge scientific researcher Dave Marrs of Dinometrics, the two have teamed up to provide advanced methods for paleontology research and archiving. This venture introduces an exciting new way for researchers of Sue and other artifacts to accurately study rare and fragile specimens without harming the original subjects.

With Dinometrics, Scansite is currently developing exclusive 3D visualization on Sue, and other important museum specimens, demonstrating to the scientific community the powerful advantages of this technology. This groundbreaking work has already attracted the likes of CNN News to the Dinometrics and Scansite California locations. Additional programs are scheduled to document the 3D modeling and kinematic studies currently undertaken with Sue.

The impressive advantages of generating 3D digitized clones of Sue and other fossilized specimens are creating several rumblings in the paleontologist community. Among those currently working with Scansite and Dinometrics is Dr. Robert Chandler, the noted discoverer of Titanis, a giant extinct genus of "Killer Bird". Chandler and other researchers are utilizing scanning technology to help them further unravel the mysteries of these magnificent creatures.

"3D laser scanning offers distinct advantages for museum curators, archivists, scientists and effects artists alike. It's an unrivaled tool for fossil archiving, transporting, handling, manipulating, analysis and measuring, mounting, reconstruction and research . Once a fossil is scanned, the digital 3D versions is so accurate that the original need never be disturbed or subjected to risky handling ever again. This is especially critical as we see fossils break new value barriers as with Sue, the now famous T. Rex recently sold to the Chicago Field Museum for a record 8.4 million dollars."

"Inevitably, back-up "virtual versions" of these priceless fossils must replace the real thing when it comes to their handling. And for research purposes, these digitally scanned files are now so accurate that they surpass the real objects when examining fine details, taking measurements and dissecting them. This digital information can also be used to create precise duplicate casts at any scale - a feat not possible by any other means. If we only had this technology during World War II, we'd still be able to study all those precious fossils lost simply by referring to their digital masters," said "Dino" Dave Marrs.

"We are very excited about our current projects. With the advent of this technology and for the first time in history, fragile ancient artifacts can be shipped all over the globe, from one researcher to the next, to be studied without degradation or harm to the original article. Our video and laser based 3D digitizers can scan a specimen and generate a digital model accurate up to 0.125 mm. Once a database is created, it can be copied and shipped anywhere in the world for researchers to analyze and manipulate. We are essentially opening the doors for countless individuals and institutions who wish to gain access to information that has traditionally been reserved for a select few. This is a great moment for the scientific research community," said Lisa Federici, founder and operator of Scansite.

About "Dino" Dave Marrs

"Dino" Dave Marrs is a dinosaur reconstruction expert and is among the world's foremost dinosaur illustrator-animators. He is the founder of Dinometrics, a company dedicated to computer applications in dinosaur research, and The Dinocardz Company, producers/publishers of high-end dinosaur images. He is also author and illustrator of The Building of Dinosaurs. Research for this book has yielded the first comprehensive 3D database of biomechanics and functional morphology for dinosaurs, the foundation for Dinometrics interactive programs.

About Scansite

Fueled by academy award winning technology invented and patented by Cyberwareª, Scansite is a service bureau open to the public that focuses specifically on 3D digital cloning. Scansite houses four different rapid 3D digitizing scanners to cater to clients' specific needs.

Scansite headquarters is located in the historic Tamalpais Theater Building at 330 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in San Anselmo, CA. For more information about Scansite's 3D digital cloning services contact their office at (415) 883-7226 or visit them on the world wide web at www.scansite.com.