Komarova Anna Vladimirovna

Introduction. This research examines and evaluates the comparability of a specific set of anthropometric measurements of facial features obtained through direct measurements and frontal portrait photographs. With the growing trend towards utilizing photography instead of direct measurements, the question of the convergence and comparability between these two methods has become increasingly significant.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a sample population of Chuvash individuals, who represent the indigenous population in the Chuvash Republic of the Russian Federation. The material for the study comprised cephalometric data and anthropological photographs of individuals from the Chuvash Republic, surveyed during the 2002 expedition under the guidance of V.A. Batsevich. The sample size consisted of 72 individuals, with 35 women and 37 men. Prior to statistical analysis, the male and female participants were divided into two age groups to account for potential age-related variations. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software package, applying Cronbach's alpha method.

Results. In this study, gender differences were identified for a range of anthropometric indicators, demonstrating high convergence when employing two facial measurement methods. The obtained values of dimensions were generally comparable in terms of reliability and consistency. 

Conclusion. The research has revealed that the method of obtaining linear facial dimensions from portraits can serve as an analog/alternative to direct anthropometric measurements. In men, latitudinal dimensions are better correlated with each other, whereas in women they are high-altitude. The obtained results align well with existing data on this topic, highlighting the potential viability of facial portrait-based measurements in anthropometric studies. © 2024. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license

Introduction. The possibility of using facial photographs as a replacement for direct anthropometric measurements is being considered. The application of traditional anthropometric measurement program is currently facing significant ethical and psychological difficulties, particularly in measurements of the head and face. As a result, anthropologists worldwide are increasingly substituting direct measurements with measurements obtained fr om photographic images. This transition has been significantly facilitated by the advancement of photographic technology. However, the methodology for utilizing photogrammetric data as a full replacement for direct measurements requires further development and a greater number of studies.

Materials and methods. The material for the research consisted of cephalometric data and anthropological photographs of Tuvans examined during the 2002 expedition under the leadership of V.A. Batsevich. The Tuvan sample consisted of 174 individuals, including 87 women and 87 men aged between 17 and 26 years. Statistical data analysis was carried out using the SPSS software package. Correlation analysis methods and regression equations were used to assess the comparability of dimensions obtained through direct anthropometric measurements and from portraits.

Results. A comparison was made between the dimensions obtained in field conditions and their counterparts obtained from photographs. Gender differences were identified in assessing the degree of comparability of facial dimensions obtained by two methods: through portraits and direct measurements. In the female part of the sample, the degree of correlation was higher and the standard error values were lower. It was found that for dimensions (facial height, nose height, upper lip height) that require points difficult to determine on a planar image, lower correlation values were observed. The unreliability of dimensions in this part of the face was confirmed by the results of constructing regression equations and the high standard error obtained for them.

Conclusion. Overall, the photogrammetry method is justified in conditions wh ere direct anthropometric measurements are not feasible. However, further research is needed to optimize the process of placing difficult-to-determine points on a portrait for certain dimensions. © 2025. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license