Chapter 25 - Posture and anthropometry

Abstract

Anthropometric data are data on human body size and shape and are the basis upon which all digital human models are constructed. All aspects of the utility of a human model are therefore governed by its anthropometric characteristics. The physical size, the postures that can be adopted, and the tasks that can be performed are all influenced by some degree by anthropometry. This chapter explores anthropometry from how anthropometric data are presented, how they can be used to define an individual or a population, and how they can be strategically used to inform ergonomics evaluations using human models. The chapter also discusses the caveats often associated with anthropometric data sources and the traditional approaches to their use. The chapter also highlights some of the key methods in the field of anthropometry and how they can be used to create human model families to support practitioners in their use of digital human modeling.