Data from: Beyond the print - virtual paleontology in science publishing, outreach and education

Virtual paleontology unites a variety of computational techniques and
methods for the visualization and analysis of fossils. Due to their great
potential and increasing availability, these methods have become immensely
popular in the last decade. However, communicating the wealth of digital
information and results produced by the various techniques is still
exacerbated by traditional methods of publication. Transferring and
processing three-dimensional information, such as interactive models or
animations, into scientific publications still poses a challenge. Here, we
present different methods and applications to communicate digital data in
academia, outreach and education. Three-dimensional PDFs, QR codes,
anaglyph stereo imaging, and rapid prototyping—methods routinely used in
the engineering, entertainment, or medical industries—are outlined and
evaluated for their potential in science publishing and public engagement.
Although limitations remain, these are simple, mostly cost-effective, and
powerful tools to create novel and innovative resources for education,
public engagement, or outreach.