Cyril Oberlander
Library Dean
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
AJ Bealum
Programmer & Project Manager
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
The California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt Library groundbreaking project 3DHerbarium.org version one was released open source on January 25, 2024. This immersive 3D web-based interface with augmented and virtual reality views enhances botanical education for all ages, connecting botany students, faculty, citizen scientists, and the community to learn and share knowledge. The goal of version two is to extend the platform for any discipline, from archeology to zoology, and to further advance the research in creating layered animated models that enable learners to explore specimens from whole body to internal microscopic structures.
The 3D Digital Herbarium advanced the team’s understanding of 3D photogrammetry methods for modeling thin complex shapes, such as leaves and plants. Additionally, the team discovered the need for a similar tool in a variety of disciplines and is evaluating various research interests to develop the roadmap for version two, called 3D Exhibits4Learning, an open-source software platform and documentation for other institutions to develop 3D models and to create their own environments.