188-2 StraboMicro as a tool for organizing and analyzing micro-scale structural and petrographic data

Session: Technology and tools for 3D visualization of field and lab data in teaching and research

Presenting Author:

Peter Lindquist

Authors:

Lindquist, Peter Carl¹, Newman, Julie², Ash, Jason³, martin, Claire⁴, Tikoff, Basil⁵, Condit, Cailey Brown⁶

(1) University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, , (2) StraboSpot Data System, , (3) University of Kansas, , (4) StraboSpot Data System, , (5) StraboSpot Data System, , (6) University of Washington, Seattle, WA, ,

Abstract:

StraboMicro is part of the StraboSpot ecosystem of digital applications for collecting, organizing, and sharing geologic data. StraboMicro specifically is a tool for organizing and analyzing micro-scale imagery and associated data that are easily linked with sample information from StraboField to preserve contextual information. The free, open-source StraboMicro application is community-driven. Re-envisioned in 2026 as a result of user feedback, it features a redesigned platform with improved usability, high resolution image tiling, image analysis tools, data versioning, and updated sharing capabilities. Depending on user needs, data can be shared, made public with DOIs, or kept private.

We present a StraboMicro use-case example from research on the Catalina Schist (southern CA, USA) in which optical and electron imagery are combined with chemical and electron backscattered diffraction data. Loaded with base low-resolution optical scans and higher-resolution images, StraboMicro facilitates the planning and execution of electron beam analyses, the data from which are then easily loaded into StraboMicro to be evaluated in their spatial context. StraboMicro streamlines these workflows, whereas the same work might be done between multiple files edited in separate vector graphics programs, GIS software, or spreadsheet software. In the research use-case, StraboMicro aided the petrologic and micro-structural interpretation of metamorphic evolution and deformation processes in the Catalina Schist. StraboMicro also has significant potential as a teaching tool, offering a versatile platform for students to practice a range of skills from basic annotation and analysis of petrographic images to more advanced integration of micro-scale datasets.

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