WP 2 Reviewing and analysis package: lhpFusionBox

This workpackage will focus on a review of the current literature on measurements, analysis and visualisation tools and will identify the tools necessary for effective palaeoanthropological study.

Task 2.1 Review of the literature – TL: RBINS

This task will focus on an exhaustive review of the literature related to available digital tools and in existing software to find out what is currently available and what is missing in the palaeoanthropological field in term of measurements, analysis of fossil hominids and visualisation tools.

Task 2.2 Definition of User Specification – TL: RBINS

Digital tools for viewing and analysis of virtual objects (including taking both simple and complex measurements) are crucial for scientists and curators. However, integrated Open Source analysis tools for this purpose are mostly lacking. The partners in this consortium previously developed a specific analysis tool for biomedical applications called lhpFusionBox. They demonstrated that this tool can be tailored partially towards the needs of palaeoanthropology or other disciplines. In this WP, further conceptual and software development will be planned to extend the lhpFusionBox software towards the current needs of palaeoanthropologists working with fossil remains and digital objects. RBINS will work closely with MHNH to define the analysis and visual tools required for this cultural heritage domain. Members of the follow up committee and contacts from the International networks of the partners will also be invited to define the required tools.

This task deliverable will be a detailed and well-documented document that will describe user needs and will be utilised in Task 2.3 to define the technical specifications that will guide the development of the novel methodologies and scientific tools requested.

Task 2.3. Definition of Technical Specification – TL: VUB

Task 2.2 will lead to a document detailing the specifications of the tools required. This document will then be used by the partners VUB and ULB to write the technical specifications needed to develop further software code based on the user requirements. Software will be implemented in C++, Phyton and C#. Based on current needs, the software will be developed in four domains and are described in separate tasks below (3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4).