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
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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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 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 |