Introduction

This manual detail the main craniometric points used in anthropological studies, including those normally used in craniofacial identification and those used for the measurement of craniometric indexes and planes.

The present manual contains the standardized description (Caple and Stephan, 2015) of 38 craniometric landmarks (18 unilateral and 20 bilateral) using visually identifiable references in images and operational procedures to place each specific landmark with Skeleton·ID. For a greater objectivity of markings, mobile horizontal and vertical reference auxiliary lines have been included to facilitate the visualization of the point at the intersection of both.

Observations

  • If possible, we recommend to locate and mark landmarks on the real skull before scanning.

  • To correctly position each point, the skull must be placed in the Frankfurt Horizontal plane (Martin, 1996; George, 1997; 2007; Iscan, 1993).

  • Unilateral landmarks usually are located at the Mid-Saggital plane (Fig. 1). This plane divides the skull by its vertical half and show facial symmetry. Connect the vertical points, from vertex to gnathion.

Mid-saggital plane Figura 1. Mid-saggital plane.

  • Bilateral landmarks must be placed anatomically: the right side is at the left of the screen when facing the skull.