Stitching and Tiling Multi-Segment Images

Often, it is necessary to photograph a large original in sections, and to digitally assemble the components into a single image. And some originals are composed of discrete elements that can be photographed individually and digitally combined into a single image that aids comprehension.

When an item is photographed in sections, the sections can be digitally assembled in two ways:

1. Stitching

REPRODUCING A LARGE ORIGINAL BY SEAMLESSLY STITCHING MULTIPLE SECTION-IMAGES INTO A SINGLE-IMAGE VIEW

We refer to the images produced as, stitched.

In some cases, the individual sections can be digitally blended – “stitched” – into a single unified image by assembling the section-images so no seams can be detected. [example]

2. Tiling

SECTION-IMAGES LAYED OUT IN A GRID OR ABUTTED TO CREATE AN OVERVIEW IMAGE WITH SPACING BETWEEN THE SECTIONS

We refer to these as, tiled.

When creating a stitched image is impractical or impossible, or the original was multi-part to begin with, Imaging Services will create a tiled overview image with the sections laid out in a grid, or butted together. In cases where the original is a single piece, the sections will included a small amount of overlap to assure completeness.

Cases that necessitate tiling:

• The shape of the original changes when repositioned (e.g., fabric, floppy paper). 
• The original has large blank areas, and without enough markings that span section-images, there are insufficient alignment references to support stitching.
• The original has intricate and complex details that do not align across sections. [example]
• The size and shape of the original requires the creation of section-images that would need to be stitched on more than one side. [example]
• Images assembled from multi-part originals will be tiled [example].