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Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter

by PaleoTrack Solutions·Workflow

Images © PaleoTrack Solutions. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

This add-on earns its place in the Superhive library as a niche, research-focused pair of tools that turn Blender's vertex and polygon editing into a way to quantify track surfaces and footprint counts for paleontological work.

What is Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter?

The Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter is a Blender add-on built for dinosaur footprint research, where measuring the irregular surfaces of track-bearing horizons can be difficult. It bundles two tools: one that calculates surface area and perimeter, and one that counts fossil footprints.

The Surface Calculator has you create polygons by extruding vertices to trace the perimeter of a track surface, then returns its area and perimeter. The Footprint Counter uses vertices placed on footprints to count them, which suits tracksites holding hundreds or thousands of fossil footprints. Both are aimed at streamlining data collection and analysis in paleontological research and producing quantifiable results.

Designed for researchers, the add-on runs on Blender 3.0 through 4.1 and is distributed under a Creative Commons license. Documentation is included, and a demo video is available. It appears in the Superhive library among tools for palaeontology and dinosaur research.

Who is Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter best for?

Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter is best for researchers working on dinosaur footprint and tracksite studies who need to measure track-surface areas and count fossil footprints in Blender.

How much does Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter cost?

Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Surface area and perimeter calculation for track-bearing horizons
  • Polygon creation by extruding vertices to trace a track surface perimeter
  • Footprint counting using vertices placed on individual footprints
  • Suited to tracksites holding hundreds or thousands of fossil footprints
  • Documentation included
  • Runs on Blender 3.0 through 4.1
  • Distributed under a Creative Commons license

Tags

#paleontology#dinosaur footprints#surface area#measurement#research tool#Blender add-on#tracksite

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does the Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter support?

The Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter runs on Blender versions 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.0 and 4.1, covering a broad span of releases across the 3.x line and into the 4.x series. If you work in one of these versions, the add-on is listed as compatible. For any version outside this range, or to confirm the latest supported release, check the developer's page before installing.

How does the Tracksite Surface Calculator measure a track surface?

The Tracksite Surface Calculator measures track-bearing horizons by having you create polygons that trace the perimeter of the track surface. You build these polygons by extruding vertices along the edge of the surface you want to measure. Once the outline is complete, the tool calculates both the surface area and the perimeter of that shape. This approach targets the irregular shapes common to dinosaur footprint surfaces, where straightforward measurement can be difficult.

How does the Footprint Counter tally footprints at a tracksite?

The Footprint Counter works by using vertices placed directly on individual footprints, then counting them to give a total. It is built for tracksites that hold hundreds or even thousands of fossil footprints, where keeping an accurate tally becomes difficult. By tying each count to a placed vertex, the tool helps organize footprint data during collection and analysis in paleontological research, with the aim of producing quantifiable results.

Is the Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter free, and how is it licensed?

The Tracksite Surface Calculator + Footprint Counter is listed as free here and carries a Creative Commons license. Licensing terms and the exact conditions of use can change over time, so it is worth checking the developer's page for current details before you rely on it in a project. The add-on is distributed by PaleoTrack Solutions, and the developer's page is also where you can raise questions about the product.

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