Dinosaurs in another dimension

The new 3D scans mean people around the world will be able to study Isle of Wight fossils. Picture by Chris Thwaites.

DINOSAUR Isle's collection of Isle of Wight fossils will soon be displayed online in all their 3D glory, to be viewed by a global audience.

Scientists from the British Geological Survey (BGS) visited the Sandown museum earlier this year — as reported at the time — to scan 30 different types of fossil, among those housed at Dinosaur Isle, with 3D cameras.

featuring every type of fossil found in the UK, which will enable scientists and researchers from around the world to view the specimens in intricate detail.

Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for tourism Cllr Shirley Smart said: "It is wonderful to know that dozens of fossils on display in Dinosaur Isle Museum can now be viewed all in one place from across the globe."

To celebrate the launch of the new website, the BGS is today (Thursday) launching a national competition for children, challenging them to tell the difference between a real Neovenator claw and a replica created using a 3D printer. All entries will be put into a draw, with free museum tickets and a tablet computer, with all of the 3D fossils scanned in, up for grabs.