January 1, 2013 (Vol. 33, No. 1)

URL:
http://bit.ly/W58gcW

Rating:
Strong Points: Easy navigation through datasets
Weak Points: Preloaded images not labled or annotated

Platform:
iPad

Cost:
Free

Summary:

Images serve a crucial role in biological research and teaching. The WholeSlide app by Richard Stoner provides an elegant solution to the question, “How can I best view large (1 gigapixel and greater) images on my tablet device?” The app allows users to easily access and explore image datasets that are hosted online. A small number of datasets come preloaded with the app, including the Allen Reference Brain, images from Brainmaps.org, WormAtlas, and Zebrafinch Atlas; however, users can also upload their own web-based datasets. When viewing individual images, users can zoom in/out with their fingers, they can opt to view the metadata for each image (although most of the preloaded images are not well-annotated), and they can adjust the brightness, contrast, and color channels of the image.

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