Virtual Reconstruction demonstrates how readers can transform organisms from physical reality into virtual reality. Specifically, the authors provide the knowledge and tools needed to enable researchers to reconstruct fragmented and distorted fossil specimens in 3-D images so that their function, biomechanics, developmental changes, and evolutionary modifications can be determined. Likewise, the authors demonstrate how the same 3-D techniques can be used to enhance medical diagnosis and permit detailed planning of surgical intervention and forensic reconstruction on the basis of patient-specific anatomical data. They also provide a thorough introduction into modern methods of 3-D geometric-morphometric analysis.

All the steps of 3-D reconstruction are covered in detail, including data acquisition, processing, graphical representation, interactive manipulation, morphometric analysis, and rapid prototyping. Helping readers to bridge the gap between theory and practice, the authors have taken a four-pronged approach to their subject:

• The main text introduces basic concepts, provides technical information, presents practical applications, and discusses potential issues for further research
• Feature boxes offer schematic diagrams to simplify difficult concepts and case studies that demonstrate how concepts and methods are applied in real-world situations
• Appendices contain classical linear algebra formulation as well as standard data formats for text, standard images, biomedical images, and graphical objects
• Companion Internet site allows readers to experiment with sample data sets and applets and provides links to tutorials, applets, databases, and technical definitions: www.wiley.com/go/virtualreconstruction

The two authors are internationally recognized as leaders and innovators in their field. Their text reflects more than a decade of research in computer-assisted paleoanthropology as well as their insightful lectures and courses in biomedical imaging, scientific visualization, and computational morphology.

This is the only reference that introduces readers, in the biosciences, to the concepts, methods, and applications of computer-assisted virtual reconstruction. It is an invaluable resource for researchers in physical anthropology, paleontology, morphology, anatomy, medicine, forensics, and primatology. Surgeons will find this book a reliable and state-of-the-art information source. Furthermore, the text is an excellent reference for computer scientists working in the biosciences.