If you take a photo with a reference scale bar, there are various
shape analysis computer programs that can use that for reference to
generate measurements.  The difficulties are making sure that the
specimens are consistently aligned and that they and the scale are in
focus.  For specimens that small, the difference will not be much, but
for a larger shell a flat scale bar down on the surface that the shell
is on will not match as well as is desirable with the middle of the
shell.  Ideally, the scale bar will be at the the same height as the
parts of the shell that are of interest.

On Fri, Mar 23, 2012 at 7:16 PM, J.Francisco Araya
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Hello to all:
>
> I need to measure a bunch of small endodontids (around 1,2 to 3,2 mm). I
> have found it very difficult, and I have broken some of the shells. I wonder
> if anybody can tell me of a method or tips to measure some basic features
> like aperture, length, width, etc.
> I have a digital camera but the macro is not very good, I was thinking of
> taking photos of all of them on a paper grid but most of them are of 1 mm or
> up.
> Any ideas will be welcomed,
>
> Regards,
>
> Juan Francisco.
>



--
Dr. David Campbell
Collections Assistant
The Paleontological Research Institution
1259 Trumansburg Road
Ithaca NY 14850

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