Rockville, MD - Contex, the world's leading developer of wide format scanning and imaging solutions, today announces that the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University recently scanned and archived a 50-year collection of nearly 1,800 maps using the Contex HD 4230 wide format scanner. The Arboretum's living collection of trees, shrubs, and woody vines is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and best documented of its kind. With the scanned maps, staffers geo-referenced the evolution of the Arboretum's landscape through the years, unlocking valuable information that was hidden in the individual paper maps. 

"The Contex scanner is quick. Some of the documents are fragile, and the scanner did a great job. It's incredibly user friendly, and the quality of the images is excellent," comments Jonathan Damery, Curatorial Assistant of the Arnold Arboretum.

The Arboretum scanning project included maps dating from 1937 to 1988, which some of the assets were in poor condition. The Contex HD wide format scanner ensures that the precise details were captured during the digitization process. Its advanced image data processing algorithms, 48-bit color, 4-channel CCD technology delivers unprecedented image quality and scanning speed.

"Whether scanning complex or simple maps and drawings, the HD scanner is an excellent tool for archival and geo-referencing projects. It picks up the finest details at a speed that ensures high productivity for its users," comments Steve Blanken, General Manager, Contex Americas.

Scan, Georeference and Print

Arboretum staffers store the scanned images on a local server and the images are integrated into ESRI ArcGIS mapping platform to create georeferenced maps. These images give staffers new insight into plant legacies at the Arboretum. For example, staffers have been able to locate some living plants and remnants that fit into the historic landscape.

In addition to viewing the maps from the database, staffers also print out 11x17 copies for use in the field. Damery notes, "It's nice to have a copy of the map available easily accessible. As we get into the field-checking season, staffers can make notes, which are then passed back to the curatorial team. It helps to streamline communications."

Read the case study. For more information, visit www.contex.com or call 703-964-9850.