Fine International Conference on Gigapixel Imaging for Science

Identification and documentation of cultural boundary objects through usage of ultra high-resolution Gigapan images

Brian Moriarity — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:21 PDT

There are several stages involved in the identification of the documentation and re-presentation of the stated objects in
question. I have chosen to start with the photographic documentation of historically Armenian and Greek sites in eastern
Turkey, though the concepts that I will be developing could equally be applied to any location, physical or virtual, where
different social and/or cultural constituencies reside. Preferably, any such analysis would take place in a scenario where there
exist multiple varied interpretations of the meaning of objects. This would most commonly occur where there are varied
cultural, social of socio-economic groups that would allow for the formation of varied meanings.

Microbiology Laboratory Benchspace Literacy: Gigapan Imaging Enhancing Linguistic Landscape Research

David L. Hanauer — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:20 PDT

The aim of this brief paper is to report on research that utilized Gigapan imaging technology to explore the usage of literacy in the benchspace of a microbiology laboratory. The paper addressed the following questions: 1)What genres are used in the bench space of a microbiology laboratory? 2)What are the functions of these genres within the microbiology laboratory? Results revealed a range of genres within the laboratory benchspace environment that fulfilled four functions: 1) Presentation of Visual Data; 2) Presentation of Procedural Information; 3) Constructing and Announcing Personal and Social Identity; & 4) Personalizing Science. These functions fulfilled the aims of conducting laboratory research and constructing personal, social and professional connections.

Remote curation and outreach: examples from the NCSU Insect Museum GigaPan Project

Matthew A. Bertone et al. — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:16 PDT

Insect specimens preserved in publicly accessible, permanent collections are integral data resources for researchers and a
valuable tool for engaging the public about biology. Natural history museum policies intended to protect specimens from
damage, however, usually prevent people from accessing these insects in meaningful ways. We propose using the GigaPan
system—as part of a larger collection digitization effort—to enable virtual exploration of our specimen holdings through
high-quality images of all of our insect drawers (~2,700 in total). We envision at least two outcomes from this process: a)
researchers worldwide will be able to remotely identify insect specimens and/or read their associated data labels, and b) nonentomologists
will gain a new resource with which to learn about insect diversity, biology, and structure, as well as museum
science more generally. Capturing the dialog from these two processes, as annotations, snapshots, emails, and other
correspondence, will lead to iterative improvement of our collection, more efficient loan requests, more informed specimen
donations, and highly effective outreach experiences.

Repeat Photography using GigaPan Imagery in the San Simon Watershed, Arizona, USA

Mary Nichols et al. — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:14 PDT

Photographs are an important source of documentation supporting the management of western U.S. rangelands. High
resolution panoramic photography has the potential to vastly expand the value of photography in rangeland monitoring and
documentation. The immediate objective of this research is to test the GigaPan system for taking repeat photographs
supporting landscape change analyses. An initial test was conducted to relocate photo points in the San Simon Watershed in
Arizona where landscape photographs were taken in 1941. Coupled photo pairs from 1941 and 2010 are posted to the
GigaPan website where they can be annotated to incorporate both scientific interpretations and local knowledge. Work is
ongoing to quantify landscape and vegetation changes in the photographs. These changes will be interpreted in the context of
high seasonal and inter-annual variability identified in measured rainfall. Initial field work has successfully demonstrated the
use of GigaPan technology in landscape photography for documenting change

The GigaPan Hallway Project

K.W. Bridges et al. — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:12 PDT

GigaPan images were made into large vinyl banners and mounted in the hallway, elevator lobby, classroom, and offices. These photos were chosen to illustrate the research and instruction being done in nearby offices, laboratories and classrooms. The primary objective of this preliminary project was to test whether these images are a cost-effective, positive contribution to the academic environment.

Timelapse GigaPan: Capturing, Sharing, and Exploring Timelapse Gigapixel Imagery

Randy Sargent et al. — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:08 PDT

Ever wished for a time machine? Capturing a gigapixel-scale image freezes a moment in time for later exploration. It’s
especially useful in a case where a scientist doesn’t know at capture time which location in an environment will be salient
later. We present technology to extend gigapixel-scale imagery into the time dimension, capturing many co-located images
over time. Explorers of timelapse, gigapixel imagery explore in both space and time. Hop in your time machine and explore!

Using GigaPan to Photograph Long Plant Specimens

Steve Renich et al. — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:06 PDT

GigaPan combined with a dedicated concave subject table makes virtually distortion-free,
life-size photos of prairie plants with roots more than 10 feet long. The pictures travel to
display the mass, detail, and importance of otherwise hidden soil life structure. GigaPan
helps The Land Institute enlist support for development of an agriculture modeled on
nature’s polyculture of perennials – Natural Systems Agriculture.

Three-Dimensional Gigapan Views of Archaeological Sites and Artifacts: Examples from the Paleolithic of Southwest France

Matthew L. Sisk — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:34:05 PDT

The use of Gigapan imagery in an archaeological context allows for quick, very high resolution recording of excavation
surfaces, artifacts and surrounding areas. At the Paleolithic site of Abri Castanet (France), we have, since 2008, used a
Gigapan imager mounted horizontally to record lateral variation across our active excavation surface. Using GIS software
and topographic data from our onsite Total Station, we can then minimize distortion, plot the image relative to artifact and
feature locations and display all of these data in three-dimensions. This gives us a unique way to record and analyze patterns
of variation across a constrained archaeological horizon. In addition, we have recently began a project using this technique to
record, process and project imagery of early Upper Paleolithic engraved blocks and rockshelter ceilings, representing some of
the earliest examples of cave art in Europe.

Gigapans and the Social Sciences

Karl M. Kindt III — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:04:10 PDT

Forensic scientists, social scientists, educators, attorneys and real estate agents have been provided with a remarkable tool for
analysis and marketing with the advent of gigapan imagery. The key to use of this new imaging technology is imagination.
IMAGINE how the technology can be used to deepen the understanding of moments in time. Although a gigapan image
might take 20 minutes to create if a large area is being imaged, that 20 minutes reveals a place in time like no other human
technology and preserves for future generations of educators and social scientists an aspect of reality never before captured.

High Dynamic Range Gigapixel Imaging as a Method for Eternalizing Graffiti & Urban Art in Fine Art & Fashion

Jay Hirschfeld — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:04:08 PDT

High Dynamic Range imaging techniques, used in combination with gigapixel imaging technology, allow creation of highlydetailed,
evenly-exposed panoramic photographs of a space in 360-degrees. Typically obtaining correct exposure across a
360-degree plane of view is difficult, leading to blown-out highlights and muddled shadows in certain areas of the image.
High Dynamic Range imaging techniques also allow for extremely saturated rendition of colors, and a compression of
midtones resembling drawing or painting. This technique, when applied to the fields of fine art and fashion, yields visually
striking results and exceptional design flexibility, as well as output resolution uncommon to both areas.

High-Resolution Imaging of Rock Falls in Yosemite National Park

Greg Stock et al. — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:04:05 PDT

Yosemite Valley has experienced over 600 rock falls since 1850, but determining the exact source areas, volumes, and failure
mechanisms for these rock falls has previously been difficult because of a lack of comprehensive imagery of the cliff faces.
We obtained high-resolution imagery, acquired before and after large rock falls in Yosemite Valley, California, by combining
of gigapixel panoramic photography and terrestrial laser scanning (LiDAR). Following comprehensive baseline image
acquisition of Glacier Point in eastern Yosemite Valley, two large rock falls occurred from within the imaged area in October
of 2008. We used repeat gigapixel photography acquired with GigaPans to characterize the rock-fall detachment surface and
adjacent cliff area in high resolution. Coupled with LiDAR analyses, these photos reveal that the rock falls consisted of a near
planar, vertically oriented rock slab with a detachment surface area of 2,409 m2 and a volume of 5,663 m3. These data inform
hazard assessment for this and other rock-fall events in Yosemite. Our results demonstrate the utility of high-resolution
imaging techniques for quantifying rock falls from the large vertical rock faces of Yosemite Valley.

Hitching Post of the Sky:Did Paleoindians Paint an Ancient Calendar on Stone along the Amazon River?

Christopher Davis — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:03:59 PDT

Painel do Pilão is an archaeological rock art site among the Serra da Paituna Mountains near the city of Monte
Alegre, along the Amazon River in Brazil. It is just one of many sites with ancient red-painted images in a region dated by
archaeological excavations to be as early as 11,200 to 10,500 years before the present era, at the end of the last Ice Age.
However, this location has more than just anthropomorphic images, handprints, and spiral designs. The main attraction here
is a large rectangular grid with categorical marks potentially representing a calendar-like system. A sky-marker perched at a
summit above the panel provides further evidence to support this theory. The reference marker is in the shape of a hitching
post that acts as a window to “capture” celestial objects as they move across the sky at a particular time, location, and day of
the year. Although originally considered as a lunar calendar, this article presents evidence to suggest a solar-solstice calendar
provides a more compelling case.

How Many Pixels? Statistics from the GigaPan Web Site

Paul S. Heckbert et al. — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:03:56 PDT

The web site gigapan.org has been in existence since 2007 and has served as a worldwide gallery for very high resolution
photography. We present some statistics on the collection and its evolution over time: number of pictures, number of pixels,
geographic distribution of images, and most popular images.

How many ways do I use thee? – Academic applications of GigaPan technology

Brian Yamamoto et al. — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:03:53 PDT

Biology classes have long used photographs to illustrate a variety of topics under study. GigaPan technology adds to the photographic repertoire in important ways.
The importance of GigaPan technology becomes evident when one compares a single close-up image of a subject, such as a plant. The close-up image focuses on the details. What is lost is context and surroundings. By looking at a wide angle panorama one gains context but looses detail. Both of these image scales individually provide for relatively passive interaction through observation. GigaPan technology has combined the detailed information of a macro image and the context of a panorama. Shifting between these scales allows a student to have an active interaction with the information stored in the image. This provides a valuable tool in education. The following are examples of how GigaPan panoramas are utilized as classroom tools.

GigaPan Dialogues in Environmental Learning

Laura Tomokiyo et al. — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:06:47 PDT

Using the GigaPan imaging and discussion platforms, two Pittsburgh-area schools have shared each others’ environmental
learning experiences, virtually exploring a mine drainage remediation facility and sharing water analysis experiences. In
addition to enhancing the existing environmental science curriculum with new spaces, the project saw students grow in
initiative taking, collaboration, reflection, and communications skills. Educators found that the experience added to their
repretoire of classroom approaches and that student enthsiasm and facility with the technology fostered a collaborative
relationship between student and teacher. Key cross-curricular connections were made as students from both schools
reflected on an issue close to home: drilling of Marcellus Shale.

GigaPan Imagery and Archaeology at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samothrace

Vicki Stover Hertzberg et al. — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:06:44 PDT

In this paper we describe the use of gigapixel imagery at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, an archaeological site
on the island of Samothrace, Greece. The Sanctuary was the home of a secret cult that was a particular favorite
of Macedonian royalty during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Despite the lack of any current structures remaining
erect, the dozen buildings are remarkably well preserved and are spectacular examples of classical Greek
architecture. We are employing a number of sophisticated advanced visualization tools, including a 3-D
reconstruction of the site, computer-animated fly-throughs, and an interactive map. We have undertaken a
topographic survey and are integrating georeferenced GigaPans into a geographic information system (GIS). This
system will allow us to return to the site in future years, capturing the same scene, thus better informing the
upcoming site management plan and allowing us to observe change over time.

Uses of Gigapan Technology In Formal And Informal Environmental Education

Jerry Schoen et al. — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:06:37 PDT

Gigapan technologies present new interactive opportunities for people to learn and share information about their
local environments. They can be used to look across spatial scales, enrich multimedia journals, and augment digital
collections. Herein we describe initial efforts and experiences in sharing information about plants, geology and
landscapes in both formal and informal education settings. Our diverse examples suggest ways that current Gigapan
technologies can be improved and linked to other technologies and educational programs.

Gigapan Voyage for Robotic Reconnaissance

Susan Young Lee et al. — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:06:35 PDT

Gigapan Voyage is a self-contained remotely-operable Gigapan capturing system that is being developed by the Intelligent Robotics Group at NASA Ames Research Center. Gigapan Voyage was primarily designed to be integrated onto Johnson Space Center’s Lunar Electric Rovers. While on the Lunar Electric Rover, Gigapan Voyage was used by scientists and astronauts during the 2009 and 2010 Desert RATS field tests. The overall objective of this “robotic reconnaissance experiment” was to improve NASA’s understanding of how pre-cursor robotic scouting could enhance planning capabilities and increase science return from human exploration missions.

The motivation behind Gigapan Voyage is to merge all the sub-components of the commercial GigaPan system into an all-in-one system that can capture, stitch, and display Gigapans in an automated way via a simple web interface. The Gigapan Voyage system enables NASA to quickly and easily add remote-controlled Gigapan capturing capability onto rovers with minimal integration effort.

Bridging arts and socials sciences: animated and interactive panoramas in visual research

Roderick Coover — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:04:22 PDT

The essay considers how the digital panorama combined with techniques of motion media and interactive layering can provide makers with ways to integrate diverse research materials in a common environment. The paper goes on to consider how such uses of panorama also enable user agency, choice-making and learning. Examples include the author's works Something That Happened Only Once (2007) and Outside/Inside (2008).

Estimating stand basal area from forest panoramas

Christopher L. Fastie — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 11:04:19 PDT

A common forest inventory technique involves making 360° visual scans within forests and selecting a sample of trees by assessing the horizontal angle subtended by their trunks. These samples allow quick and accurate estimates of forest stand basal area. All of the information required to complete such estimates can be obtained from high-resolution panoramic photographs of forest interiors. Stand basal area in an Alaskan birch forest was measured and the result compared to estimates of basal area made using a traditional Bitterlich visual scan in the field and an equivalent protocol performed on gigapixel images captured with a GigaPan imager. The image-based method has great precision and acceptable accuracy when tree trunks are not obscured by other trees or shrubs, when stitching is error free, and when adequate depth of field provides well focused images. This technique may have application using panoramas taken for other purposes, including historical photographs.