Researchers and conservators use a variety of scientific and computational imaging techniques for non-destructive examination and documentation: recording the condition of an object, informing care and treatment, archiving, and contributing to a better understanding of an object. Acquisition of a variety of images creates a need to digitally integrate them in a way that is accessible and useful, allowing dynamic comparison and movement through layers; zooming in and out of features; changing the opacity of layers to compare defects, changes, or materials; rearranging the layers; and measuring distance and areas. The MapArt OpenSource Viewer created by MapArt Systems with testing and input from the Smithsonian's Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) addresses the shortcomings in current methods of viewing image data from multiple techniques. The MapArt OpenSource Viewer uses GIS (geographic information system) based software to overlay scientific images of cultural heritage objects in a dynamic and accessible interface allowing researchers and conservators the ability to virtually “walk through” an object in a multispectral and multidimensional way.
Matthew Carroll, Reed Tomlinson, Melvin Wachowiak, E. Keats Webb, "MapArt OpenSource Viewer: A Layered Solution for Viewing Scientific Imagery" in Proc. IS&T Archiving 2013, 2013, pp 259 - 263, https://doi.org/10.2352/issn.2168-3204.2013.10.1.art00055