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Traditional and three-dimensional (3-D) scan tools capture anthropometric information in different ways. It is not surprising that measurements from each can have different values. Some possible reasons for differences are tissue compression when using traditional tools, and the difficulty of precise replication of traditional measures using computer algorithms. Even with precise replication of traditional methods, there may be consistent differences in magnitude that can be compensated for. Once compensation factors have been determined, people who have only traditional tools available can also use measurements extracted from 3-D scan data, and people who use 3-D scans can relate extracted measurements to historical data. With adjustments, the results of either method can be used interchangeably. This research compares the consistency of traditional and 3-D scan anthropometry for a small set of traditional univariate measures.

This paper documents several methods used to study shape change. The data from the “Accommodation and Occupational Safety for Pregnant Military Personnel” Study (commonly referred to as the “Pregnant Women's Study,” or “PWS”) is used to demonstrate these methods because it is easy to show the tracking of significant shape changes that occur over an extended period of time. The PWS data will help demonstrate the importance of visualization in the study of shape change and the advantages of three-dimensional (3-D) scanning for visualizing and understanding these changes. The methods for studying shape change discussed in this paper have a broad application and are not restricted to pregnant women. In fact, these methods for studying shape change are applicable to people who gain or lose weight, and to determining the shape change between people of varying body shapes and styles.