# e-COL+ project 3D digitization of French natural history collections

Pauline Provini, Jonathan Blettery, Delphine Brabant, Franck Bellugeon, Killian Leblanc, Evariste Monvoisin, Emmanuel Robert, Emmanuel Fara, P.-Y. Gagnier

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To cite this version:

Pauline Provini, Jonathan Blettery, Delphine Brabant, Franck Bellugeon, Killian Leblanc, et al., e-COL+ project 3D digitization of French natural history collections. Society for Experimental Biology Conference, Jul 2024, Prague, Czech Republic. mnhn-05072239

HAL Id: mnhn-05072239

https://mnhn.hal.science/mnhn-05072239v1

Submitted on 18 May 2025

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# e-COL+ project

## 3D digitization of French natural history collections

Pauline Provini, Jonathan Blettery, Delphine Brabant, Franck Bellugeon, Killian Leblanc, Evariste Monvoisin, Emmanuel Robert, Emmanuel Fara, Pierre-Yves Gagnier

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France's scientific collections, with about 100 million specimens, represent a vital source of biodiversity knowledge, **but** they face significant access challenges.

The e-COL+ project aims to **digitize fossil and extant metazoans** to create an **open-access 3D data library**

This **8-year project**, led by the **Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN)** and **9 French institutions**, uses advanced digitization techniques and Artificial Intelligence to ensure data **FAIRness**, thereby promoting access to this invaluable scientific resource.

### Aims of the e-COL+ project

**Aim 1:** Provide state-of-the-art 3D scanning equipment to partners.

**Aim 2:** Produce a large corpus of new metazoan models, focusing on a wide range of taxonomic diversity.

**Aim 3:** Develop AI tools for structure recognition and species identification.

**Aim 4:** Organize the storage, availability, and preservation of digital models in an open science framework.

### Surface Scanning

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /><figcaption>Mounted skeletons of birds, scanned with the Faro Edge Arm at the Surfaçus Platform</figcaption></figure>

### Computed Tomography

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /><figcaption>20 of the 180 fish specimens scanned so far with the MicroCTscan EasyTom SI30</figcaption></figure>

### Photogrammetry

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>Combination of structured light scanning (Go!SCAN 3D) and photogrammetry (Canon 6D MARKII) on a Coelacanth specimen</figcaption></figure>

### European Synchrotron Technology (ESRF)

The MNHN collaborates with external providers to scan small specimens (inferior to 1 cm).

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /><figcaption>Infracentimetric arthropods scanned by Novitom (Grenoble)</figcaption></figure>

### Why Building a Digital Collection?

#### Scientific interest

With advanced surface scanning and X-ray micro-tomography we create **high-resolution, individualized 3D models**, facilitating comprehensive **anatomical studies** and **evolutionary research**, contributing to fields such as biomimicry, comparative anatomy, and systematics.

#### Collection enhancement

Digitized specimens are inventoried and computerized into **Récolnat**, enhancing visibility and searchability.

The project also integrates with other research programs and European infrastructures, such as **DiSSCo** to **expand metadata linkages** and improve collection records.

#### Outreach interest

3D digitization makes data accessible to a wide audience through **dedicated platforms**, enhancing educational and dissemination efforts.

These visually appealing models are invaluable for **teaching and public engagement**, broadening the impact of natural history collections.

### Who is involved?

This collaborative effort involves 10 French institutions:

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le cnam

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École Pratique des Hautes Études

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SORBONNE UNIVERSITÉ

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Lyon 1

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UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTPELLIER

The e-COL+ project is funded by the French government under Structuring Equipment for Research (ESR / EquipEx +) and supported by the French National Research Agency (ref. ANR-2I-ESRE-0053) until June 2029.

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