Hello Sarah & Audrey

There are two kinds of portable scanners that I am aware of, wand scanners (e.g. http://www.vupointsolutions.com/magicwand_info.php) and flatbed scanners. Wand scanners are dragged across the document to be copied.

The Flip-Pal is a small flatbed scanner. As you can take the lid off and turn it over you could scan anything as multiple images. However, it is slow, only scans ca 12cm X 8cm and stitching images together is time consuming, so may not be practical for servicing image requests, but a good option for self service copies.

Audrey, according to James Lawson’s post on the TNA Community forum a few months back, use of the Flip-pal is not allowed in the reading rooms (http://community.nationalarchives.gov.uk/groups/all-users/forum/topic/cameras-v-scanners/). However, it has been allowed at NARA, at least on some circumstances (see http://blog.dearmyrtle.com/2011/08/flippal-scanner-ok-to-use-at-nara-i.html). As it runs on batteries, I think it is low powered, so may represent a lesser risk from light than traditional flatbed scanners and does not need to be dragged over the surface of the document like a wand scanner. Perhaps TNA might reconsider their policy. Judging by the popularity at the Flip-pal launch in the UK at WDYTYA Live in February, requests are likely to become common.

Sarah, what is the intended use of the map copies? What are the map dimensions and scale?

Researchers who want to study the maps in detail may want to digitize the cartographic information contained in the map using GIS (Geographical Information System). In this case, much higher scanning resolution (no of pixels per unit on the map) will be required, preferably as a single image that has not been manipulated (commercial stitching software is not as sophisticated as GIS software). To achieve an adequate spatial resolution (no of pixels representing a unit on the ground), you also need to take the scale of the map into account:
Scale scanning resolution (ppi/dpi)
1: 25000 3175
1:5000 635
1:2500 318

A large flatbed scanner that can handle originals up to A0 would be ideal (e.g. http://www.sma-edocument.com/8.html). Originals larger than A0 would have to be photographed, so the distance from the camera, and lens type would affect the spatial resolution. I get the feeling that you were looking for a cheap option, but I do wonder if doing high quality digital copies that can be re-purposed might be more cost effective in the long run.

Sue Adams
MSc Genealogical, Paleographic and Heraldic Studies
University of Strathclyde

Contact the list owner for assistance at [log in to unmask]

For information about joining, leaving and suspending mail (eg during a holiday) see the list website at
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=archives-nra