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Re: Scanning large maps and blue prints.



Title: Scanning large maps and blue prints.
Hello
 
Here in my institution we are about to finish a project which comprehended scanning blueprints which usually are very large formats (talking about A0+). There are some possibilities in order to scan these records. But one must be aware that the main problem is to get all the information in one shot, or two at most, so as it won't be necessary to connect the images through post processing. This because it turns all the process in a extremelly time consuming one. As you we are talking about fragile documents drum scanning is not advisable.
You didn't say if colour is important for your project, but I assume it is.
You have several options:
1. You get a vertical scanner that copes A0 formats together with a special table that compresses the document so that it is perfectly flat on the capture time (minolta ,Zeutschel...are some possible vendors..). The lightning problem is solved as the table and scanner includes the necessary lamps to have the images scanned.
2. You get a high resolution digital camera but only with a special macro lens so as it may get close enough to get good level of detail and at the same time allow just one or two captures. You have a issue here which is how are you going to put the document in order to be photographed. You may put it over a vertical surface (easier) or over a special horizontal device which is a better solution for the document but harder under the capture point of view
3. You photograph the documents with an analogic camera on the 9/12 cm size. You will get a negative big enough to comprehend the all document on one shot. Then you have the negatives scanned. That's a very good solution but requires a professional photograpoh as the 9/12 cameras are very expensive and difficult to handle
4. If colour is not important, you may always microfilm the documents and then have them scanned. That is not a good solution as you won't be able to get the all image with 35 mm microfilm, and so a lot of post processing will still be necessary. Besides the microfilm only gets back and white which usually is not enough to accuratly capture complex documents such as maps or blueprints.
 
IN any case a lot of benchmarking prior to the scanning process will be necessary. And also a lot of planning regarding storage system of optical disks, master acquisition and storage, regular backups, et, etc, etc,
 
hope this helps.
 
 
francisco barbedo
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2002 7:49 PM
Subject: Scanning large maps and blue prints.

Hi, I need some words of experience from people who have embarked on scanning maps printed on blue print paper. I have searched the listserv archives and only found two entries about scanning large maps. What problems did you encounter with faded and fragile maps? What standards and procedures did you use with the vendors? Thanks for your patience.

Larissa D. Harrison
Archives Specialist
State Historical Society of North Dakota
State Archives and Historical Research Library
612 East Boulevard
Bismarck, ND 58505-0830
701-328-2663