Specimen Imaging Documentation
These documents describe the technology and workflows used by the Consortium for imaging specimens at regional herbaria. The instructions should be sufficient to replicate our setup elsewhere, although modifications may be required.
Multiple methods of imaging specimens exist. Our selection of equipment was determined by cost, ease of use, and efficiency. Likewise, there are multiple formats for archiving images and displaying these online, and the methods we use are not the only option.
Multiple methods of imaging specimens exist. Our selection of equipment was determined by cost, ease of use, and efficiency. Likewise, there are multiple formats for archiving images and displaying these online, and the methods we use are not the only option.
A sample image captured using our setup is accessible here: http://www.pnwherbaria.org/portal/gmapviewer.php?Image=WTU000790. We use the image viewer created for the Rocky Mountain Herbarium's web site. Documentation and source code for this viewer are available through the RM Herbarium.
Documents & Downloads:
- Overview of image capture and processing (PDF, 0.4 MB)
Describes the complete life cycle of image capture, processing, and online display. These steps include image capture within each herbarium, transfer of images to the Consortium's server, image processing and archiving, creation of corresponding database records, and online display of images.
- Custom Imaging Components (PDF, 1.7 MB)
Provides instructions for building the custom components for use with our imaging equipment. These instructions are specific to our use of a lightbox and digital SLR.
- Documentation for Imaging Personnel (PDF, 3.2 MB)
Intended for use by personnel doing the imaging. Describes configuration of imaging equipment, the imaging workflow from the perspective of those doing the imaging, sending images to the Consortium, and moving equipment between collections.
- Custom Scripts (Zip Archive, 1.5 MB)
This zip file contains only the custom scripts and associated files (icons, SQLite files) used during image capture and processing. These scripts are written in Python and wxPython.
- Computer Configurations (Zip Archive, 10.3 MB)
This zip file contains the folder hierarchies, scripts, and documents as they are deployed to our imaging workstation laptops. Also included are the folders and scripts as used on the consortium's server for image processing and storage. This zip file also contains all of the other documents listed above on this page.
