VOSTEO3D-CranialPath: A Curated Collection of Human 3D Cranial Pathology Models Hosted in MorphoSource – Metadata Dataset

The VOSTEO3D-CranialPath dataset is a curated and standardized metadata collection of human 3D cranial models exhibiting pathological conditions, derived from specimens housed in the University of Granada Osteological Collection. Specimens were selectively chosen based on the presence of representative pathological features, digitized using 3D scanning technologies, and subsequently processed, labeled, and deposited in the MorphoSource repository.

This dataset compiles the metadata associated with the "VOSTEO3D-CranialPath: A Digital Gateway to Cranial Pathology" collection available in MorphoSource, providing a structured framework to facilitate access, identification, and reuse of digital cranial specimens in physical and forensic anthropology, paleopathology, and biomedical research.

Each entry corresponds to an individual human cranial specimen and includes variables such as specimen identification, taxonomy, anatomical element, biological sex (when available), pathology classification, and detailed pathological description. Additionally, technical metadata related to 3D acquisition (e.g., scanning modality and device) and persistent links to the original MorphoSource records are provided, ensuring traceability and reproducibility.

By integrating specimen selection, digitization, and metadata standardization, this dataset represents a curated digital resource that addresses the need for interoperable and reusable 3D cranial pathology data. It supports comparative morphological analyses, the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, and educational use in human identification and skeletal biology.

The dataset is released as open metadata under a permissive license, while the 3D models remain subject to the licensing conditions defined within MorphoSource.