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Arius3D Imaging Centre

About Us

The Arius3D Imaging Centre is recognized for the excellence and precision of its 3D models and animations. Its innovative and proprietary technology serves museums, science institutions and cultural communities across Canada and beyond.

The centre was established in 2002 at the Canadian Museum of Nature in partnership with Arius 3D. It is one of a very few 3D imaging centres in the heritage community in North America.

Controversial and important issues such as evolution, species diversity and extinction arise from the natural sciences all the time. The centre's services, in accordance with the museum's mandate, help address and communicate these complex issues.

3D Models

The Arius3D Imaging Centre does 3D digitization of museum collections in order to create

• a permanent digital record of rare artefacts and specimens
• precise, three-dimensional, true-colour 3D models
• 3D prints that are identical replicas of the scanned, often rare, objects
• dissemination and propagation of 3D data into mainstream applications.

Animation and Multimedia

Specialists at the centre can create a vast array of engaging, educational and entertaining 3D computer animations, illustrations and other multimedia products.

Cutting-edge 3D graphics and animations can be derived from 3D scans to help communicate scientific phenomena, or visualize complex research questions.

We work closely with researchers, curators, educators and designers to ensure quality and scientific accuracy.

Reaching a Variety of Audiences

The centre is also involved in projects that reach audiences beyond its client base. Such projects pertain to classroom education, gallery exhibitions, rigorous scientific research, outreach, universities and centres of excellence.

We can also deliver our products through popular information feeds such as television, the Internet, news and printed media.

Our technicians are experts in the scanning techniques and post-production skills needed to maximize the digital reproduction quality of your objects.

Alex Tirabasso, 3D Production Specialist

Alex combines his unique education and experience in science and art in his work at the centre. His speciality is 3D computer graphics, animation and scientific illustration. Whether the task is the visualization of a blue-whale skeleton in an architectural space, a molecular animation explaining how a genetic pathology occurs, or making dinosaur skeletons walk again, Alex is very versatile and ensures scientific accuracy, aesthetics, detail and educational value.

Alex was awarded the first-ever National Geographic Award in 3D modeling and animation by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. The honour was given for his animation of the posture and locomotion of Vagaceratops irvinensis.