PALEO3DENT: a Metadata Repository for Fossil Dental Imaging Records

PALEO3DENT is a metadata repository designed to organise and integrate records of high-resolution 3D imaging data of fossilised hominin dental specimens, spanning a temporal range from 6 million years ago to 7 thousand years ago (6 Ma-7 ka). The repository assigns a unique identifier to each dental specimen and compiles anatomical, temporal, taxonomic, geographical, methodological, and preservation-related data. It provides a structured catalogue that enables users to rapidly assess the availability of 3D datasets and their corresponding repositories on open-access imaging platforms. Currently, PALEO3DENT includes more than 4,000 records from approximately 230 archaeological and fossil sites worldwide.