Imaging

Abstract

Visual information is one of the most important data sources in geosciences. Indeed, the earth and planetary sciences are founded on the direct observation of natural systems. Different visualization and imaging techniques have been developed through history, going from sketches drawn in the field, or descriptions of microscopic slides to well-advanced digital imaging systems. Technological breakthroughs made it possible to look behind microscopic and macroscopic scales and to step from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional visualization world, producing novel ways to inspect, characterize and analyse natural materials. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.