Digital Scanning
So You Want to Scan an Image
This is a brief introduction to the fundamentals of scanning. "Scanning" is the process of converting drawings, photographs, and other two-dimensional media into digital images, which can then be viewed and manipulated on a computer. Digital images may be reproduced in different sizes and formats, imported into word-processing and desktop-publishing programs, or transmitted across the Internet. This document is primarily a guide to the creation of digital images, and will only briefly address their subsequent use and manipulation.
Before you Begin
There are two basic types of scanners. A slide scanner can scan digital images from slides or photographic negatives. A flatbed scanner can scan images from photographs, drawings, books, etc. The maximum scanning area of a flatbed scanner is typically 8.5" x 14". Some scanners will take images as large as 11" x 17". Both types of scanners can be accessed through graphics applications such as Adobe Photoshop. A program such as Adobe Photoshop will provide a scanner dialogue box, through which you will be able to preview the image, and adjust many of its attributes, such as proportion, scale, resolution, and color.
This process is somewhat analogous to adjusting the settings on a manual camera, in that it requires practice, patience, and foresight. You should always keep in mind how you intend to use your digital image. Ideally, you should be able to adjust the settings to maximize resolution and minimize diskspace. It is generally not desirable, for instance, to scan an entire 8.5" x 14", 35 MB, fullcolor image if you plan to use only a 3" x 5", 1.5 MB, black & white portion of it.
