WOW!!

How wide are your maps? We use wide format scanners to do what your are
trying to accomplish. The length doesn't matter, only the width of the
scanner. I've used white plotter paper behind transparent maps that have
worked well for that purpose. And then for delicate maps we usually enclose
them in acetate sleeves to prevent them from tearing. Our maps are normally
historic geologic maps that have in most cases weathered the elements,
critters and are not in the best of condition when we get them.

 

Best Regards,

Barbara Carroll, CPG

________________________________________________________

GeoGRAFX GIS Services

Management, Analysis and Presentation of Geologic Data

8600 N. Burke Dr., Tucson, AZ 85742

phone: 520 744-4457 fax: 520 744-3066 cell: 520 275-6173

 <http://www.geografxworld.com/> www.geografxworld.com

 

 

 

 

 

From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of
Karina Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 10:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Digitizing maps

 

Hello all,

I am starting to digitize large format materials. I have a camera set up
with lights and a tether to the computer. The previous archivist also
purchased Capture One software so I can control the camera from the
computer.

I'm running into a few issues.

1.	I have lots of maps on semi transparent paper. I think I've figured
out that I need a white board behind them. Does anyone have any other
suggestions for photographing maps on thin paper?
2.	When I turn on the lights from the four side lights, the image looks
very washed out. I'm sure there are settings on the camera to correct for
this but I really don't know what they are. I know the lights are necessary
for even lighting but I'm not sure how to get a good image.
3.	I need weights to hold down some of the bent/rolled/folded maps. Any
suggestions on what I should use? I was looking at book snake weights
<https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Book-%26-Pamphlet-Preservation/Repair-
Tools-%26-Supplies/Other-Tools-%26-Supplies/Book-Snake-Weight/p/51067>  but
I don't know how heavy they need to be to hold some of the maps that are
more curled and stubborn.

Here's a picture of my temporary setup (I didn't have the lights fully
positioned or turned on here and I'm using  part of a white box for the
backing for the thin map- but hey, we work with what we have!).

If anyone has experience working with digitization, I could really use some
advice.

Thanks in advance!

Karina 



 


Karina Wilhelm


Archivist


SHESC Center for Archaeology and Society Repository


Arizona State University

	

email:  <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]