> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ejong.gitbook.io/3d-data-for-researchers/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ejong.gitbook.io/3d-data-for-researchers/3d-data/why-are-researchers-using-3d-data.md).

# Why are researchers using 3d Data?

#### So why are researchers using 3d data? 

Mostly because they are working with something physical and you want to create a mathematical representation of it. Its a simplistic answer, but there is a wide range of applications and reasons for doing this. It could be to make an analysis, a representation for pedagogical reasons or to render a form from data, the list goes on.

For the purposes of these trainings it is more useful to think about what *you* would like to do with 3d data and then hopefully find the best tool for you to do it. For example, in 2019 we challenged groups of researchers in a hackathon to develop innovative medical devices using 3d data and 3d printing. You can read about it [here](https://tmblr.co/Z9hUep2i9af0R).

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Using 3d Slicer to map a verterbre
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