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Users may access images in the visual records database by searching the textual descriptions. To force the search to display only items that have images on-line, include the word link in the search terms. Any textual descriptions with attached items, such as images, will be returned as a hypertext listing when using the search gateway.
Selecting an item from a hypertext list will return a hypertext document, with an embedded thumbnail size image. This thumbnail image is itself a hyperlink to a medium size image with greater resolution and detail.
See Also: Searching Using the Search Gateway
The Visual Records Database contains images of the following sizes:
For adequate display, you will need a video card that supports a colour depth of at least 8 bits per pixel (256 colours). Best viewing will occur with the display set at 65,536 colours or higher. As well, a display resolution of 800 x 600 pixels or higher is recommended.
Computer display monitors vary greatly in a number of parameters related to intensity, and are not linear in their response. A correction function called gamma is utilized to correct for these response differences. Images in the on-line image database have been captured and corrected on gamma adjusted monitors.
However, as the vast majority of Internet browsing and image display tools do not support direct gamma correction, images served to remote users have had the gamma correction factor removed.
Users should be aware that web browsers differ in how they handle images when the display is set at lower color settings (particularly 256 colours or less). This also varies with the operating system.
Some browsers anticipate having to display images with a larger colour range than supported by the video card, and consequently "dither" the image. Dithering is a process of using a limited number of tones or colours, in various patterns of alternating dots, to simulate a larger range of tones or colours.
The dithering and colour substitution that these browsers employ is NOT required with images from this site as they are already colour reduced. Superior image viewing can be achieved by configuring the display for a higher colour depth, or using an alternative image viewing program for detailed image viewing.
As noted above, thumbnail size images (small images) are further optimized and mapped to a common set of colours so that they can be viewed in groups (contact sheets) on displays supporting at least 256 colours. Consequently there may be some limited but unavoidable shifting of colours or tones in a thumbnail image, compared to the medium size images or the original record.
Finally, truly accurate colour reproduction in the digital world is an ongoing objective. The BC Archives is continuing to research and investigate the integration and implementation of colour management systems and techniques within its digital capture, conversion, and delivery systems.
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| Inquiries: | Inquiries related to archival holdings, specific records, access, research, or reproduction orders may be submitted via electronic form or Email, as well as by mail or fax. | ||
| Home Page: | http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca | This Page: | http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/services/website/imagview.htm |
| Last Modified: | Sunday, 13-Feb-2000 10:52:41 PST | Maintained by: | webmaster@www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca |
| Copyright: | Information on this site is provided for research purposes only. Please review Access and Usage. Unless indicated otherwise, this page and all contents are Copyright ©, BC Archives, Royal BC Museum. | ||
| Records Classification: This site is classified and scheduled under ORCS 15100-25 | |||