Roadmap to the Future Calipers to Digitizing to Virtual Osteology

Abstract

Steve Ousley was our friend, colleague, and collaborator. This article reflects on the impact of his work in modernizing three-dimensional cranial data collection. By building the 3Skull software program, something he is less well known for than FORDISC, he allowed generations of researchers to collect cranial and other skeletal coordinate data in a meticulous yet efficient manner. This contribution not only allowed for the creation of new knowledge, but it also served to facilitate repatriation at the Smithsonian. At the time of his death, Steve was working on the next great leap in skeletal data collection, virtual osteology. We discuss this growing component of our field, including how it is grounded in Steve’s prior work, ethical concerns, and promise for the future.