RESEARCH REPORT GIGAPIXEL MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY OF TREE RINGS

High quality specimen digitization is becoming standard across the sciences, is relevant for curation of natural history collections, and must become a priority for dendrochronology. This paper overviews the enduring role of imaging in dendrochronology, summarizes the potential relevance of gigapixel macro photography of polished specimens, offers a long-term review of a commercial imaging system, and reports our progress imaging entire collections of specimens at ultra-high resolution. Our gigapixel images of polished specimens have proven effective for digital analyses, archiving, and education, and we believe macro photography may prove a lower cost and more broadly accessible digitization alternative to microtomy and X-rays. We advocate for gigapixel macro photography as one accessible and adaptable paradigm to elevate reflected light imaging standards in dendrochronology.

Automated summary

High quality specimen digitization is crucial for natural history collections and dendrochronology. Gigapixel macro photography can offer a cost-effective alternative for digitization, providing high-quality images for analysis and education. Elevating imaging standards in dendrochronology through accessible and adaptable paradigms like gigapixel macro photography is essential.