In the area of zoology, it is of great interest to determine the degree of asymmetry existing in the different animal structures in order to establish it as a variable (biomarker). In this study, a new methodology is proposed for obtaining this variable ‘Asymmetry Index’. Forty-eight Iberian red deer antlers (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) from hunting reserves in the province of Jaen (Spain) have been used. The degree of asymmetry of their antlers between homologous points considered in the two right and left sides of each antler was obtained. The methodology is applied within a parametric Computer-Aided Design system from the photogrammetric restitution of the antler from two photographs. The procedure compares the degree of asymmetry in which the points of each of the right and left sides of the antler are found by means of lengths and angles with respect to an established reference plane based on the geometry of the specimen’s skull. As a result of the study, it has been observed that the Asymmetry Index obtained is lower in those specimens that have a high score in their hunting valuation, so it is considered that this factor can be taken into account as an objective and quantifiable indicator (biomarker).

Nowadays, an object can be viewed both physically and virtually. In both cases, the visualization process consists in a continuous variation of the observer’s perspective. When looking at objects, visual interactivity is achieved by the tandem formed by human vision and the position of the observer. 3D technology allows the viewer to delve into this aspect: starting from a virtual reconstruction. It is possible to go from the virtual 3D reconstruction of a model shown on a display to a real element materialized by means of a scale model or prototype. The innovation of this research lies in the development of an efficient method for printing 3D models, with a specific emphasis on material and time savings. This study aims to obtain the three-dimensional physical model of the walled enclosure of the city of Priego de Córdoba in the Middle Ages, at its time of greatest historical development, i.e., in the late 15th century. To this end, 3D printing technology was applied, which is an innovative method for the realization of architectural scale models. The performance of 3D printers, with different printing formats, was evaluated in terms of efficiency and quality of the architectural scale models. Our theoretical assumption showed that material saving is determined by the orography slopes of the model. Obtaining slopes with values in the range of 1–5%, a large format printer is the most suitable option; in the range of 5–15%, the medium format printer is recommended; and, for a slope greater than 15%, the small format printer should be used.

Nowadays, engineering and archaeology work together to address the documentation, conservation and promotion of cultural heritage, a collaboration that has led to an interdisciplinary field in constant evolution. [1, 2]. This cross-disciplinary approach has enabled the development of advanced tools and methodologies that combine traditional techniques with emerging technologies, contributing to the conservation and dissemination of cultural heritage at a global level. [3, 4, 5].

In the field of biology, the ’biomarkers’ of the different animal species are of great relevance, as well as the relationships between them and the quality of the habitat. A study was proposed, analysing the antlers of the Iberian deer, to measure the bilateral asymmetry of its branches. The antlers are characterised in a 3D CAD model of their axial structure obtained via photogrammetric restitution from two photographs. This method quantifies the global and partial asymmetries of the antler’s structural features. The research evaluated 48 deer antlers from hunting days and taxidermy workshops. To quantify asymmetries, the measurements required are the same as those considered to assess the hunting quality of antlers. Bilateral deviations are estimated for each structural trait and the whole antler. Preliminary results showed a convergence between the values of global asymmetry and hunting quality. The methodology proved to be fast, inexpensive, and easy to implement, which facilitates its use in future asymmetry studies of other biological elements of animal or plant origin. It is only necessary that the starting data, which is the bilateral axial structure of the analysed element, is characterised in a 3D model.

Numerous studies focus on creating 3D-models of biological elements for geometric evaluation using CAD tools. A crucial aspect is to obtain accurate geometrical data that is easy to obtain and cost-effective for analysis. The main objective is to evaluate the geometrical accuracy of 3D-models obtained with three graphical techniques of three-dimensional geometrical documentation that characterise the fallow deer antlers in an accurate 3D-model, which is used as input data in biological analyses estimating hunting quality, asymmetry and volume. Three technologies are evaluated: structured light scanning, multi-image photogrammetry (SfM), Structure from Motion, and spatial photogrammetric restitution using two photographs in a CAD system. The geometric accuracy of the 3D-models obtained and the deviation between relevant points of the antler structure, in the main beam, in the main tines and palm, are estimated. Subsequently, the suitability of each 3D-model is studied according to the type of biological application for which it is intended. Based on the results, solid and axial 3D-models, the applicability of the three techniques for the study of biological parameters such as hunting quality, asymmetry and volume is discussed. It concludes on the most appropriate procedure to define the digital characterisation of the antler, depending on the type of biological study to be carried out in order to obtain accurate results. Characterising a geometrically complex structure such as the fallow deer antler in a 3D-model quickly and accurately can help to quantify various biomarkers in populations of specimens, making it possible to infer internal and external influencing factors.