EntoScan: preserving Chilean insects through 3D digitization (WIP)

[eeminionn]

Project status: EntoScan is still in development. It is an academic research and learning prototype, not a finished scientific platform or a complete digital collection.

EntoScan explores how 3D scanning, photogrammetry and extended depth of field can create useful digital references of endemic Chilean insects for education, research and science communication. It was developed at Universidad del Desarrollo in 2025 by Emilio Abarca, María Paz Lagos and Makarena Quezada.

Current workflow

• capture with a Creality Raptor X and photogrammetry techniques;
• mesh cleanup, repair and remeshing in Meshmixer;
• post-processing and texturing in Blender;
• export to OBJ and STL formats;
• early experiments for educational augmented-reality viewing.

Still in development

• a repeatable acquisition and quality-control protocol;
• consistent specimen metadata and scale references;
• review by entomology and collection specialists;
• web-friendly model optimization and accessible presentation;
• clearer reuse and licensing guidance for the 3D assets.

I would especially value feedback on mesh-quality evaluation, metadata standards for digitized specimens and responsible ways to publish educational 3D models.

Repository: https://github.com/eeminionn/EntoScan