Map scans

[Nuke_m]

Using P7, not new to using it, only alot of its "in depth areas".

I'm scanning maps to keep on file at 300dpi, so an A4 size is 2482x3508 pixels. This gives a 20mb file as a zipped TIF. I "clean them up" of marks etc. Tifs wont degrade with saves.
I then sharpen by Lab mode-usm on the lightness channel, 100-1.0-0 settings, then back to rgb, and save it as the archive image on cd/dvd. Then I do a version in index mode so its size is 5mb to keep on my portable.
Q-Is this the best method? [tif's are fine as they zip] besides, gifs are normally larger.
Q-Am I right in thinking Index mode changes each pixel to a single colour instead of a 3 colour mix? thats why size decreases.
Q-any suggestions apart from "get a life", my answer, "its mine to do with as I choose" so *%$*.
Any help/advice would be welcome, its a lot of graft. Bet I forgot sumthin \:]

N

 

[Erik]

1/ I'm scanning maps to keep on file at 300dpi, so an A4 size is 2482x3508 pixels. This gives a 20mb file as a zipped TIF. I "clean them up" of marks etc. Tifs wont degrade with saves
I then sharpen by Lab mode-usm on the lightness channel, 100-1.0-0 settings, then back to rgb, and save it as the archive image on cd/dvd. Then I do a version in index mode so its size is 5mb to keep on my portable.

Q-Is this the best method? [tif's are fine as they zip] besides, gifs are normally larger.
Q-Am I right in thinking Index mode changes each pixel to a single colour instead of a 3 colour mix? thats why size decreases.

To keep best quality (yes, the files are larger) scan in 48bitLABmode and save this. Sharpening is done at the very end of all manipulation as many steps will undo the effect. In fact, sharpening is only making more contrast on he edges, giving the impression of sharper images.
You can save a final" rgb version in tif (I would not use layered tiff).
As for indexed mode and gif: these are limited to 256 colours.. This can cause a loss of hues, but very often it is not visible (unbelievable, but true). I would also archive on something else than CD or DVD as even the best quality you can burn at home is bound to rot. An external HDD can comein very handy. Or at least burn each file/folder/series on different brands.

Q-any suggestions apart from "get a life", my answer, "its mine to do with as I choose" so *%$*.

I don't understand what you mean. At first I thought you were already in a defence-mode agressivity. So my first reaction was: get lost! Anyhow: here at PSG we don't reply like "get a life" if it is that what you meant. So no cactus-mode needed!

 

[Nuke_m]

Thanks Erik, hoped it would be you.

1st I'm in no "mode" I simply wanted opinions, expert if possible, in case I'd overlooked anything.
I personally would never tell anyone to "get lost" if they take the time and trouble to ask me something, especially if they've already spent time at it.
I've read your replies many times over the years and have saved them for later reference, (although I've never asked for advice before).

As you say 256 gifs don't show any appreciable loss, in fact its only when I get down to 64 colours that they do and that doesn't really cut the file size. I took the time to test the various save permutations.
2 layered tifs are required as the top layer holds my detail which I change and leaves the map layer untouched, so gifs are out anyway for the archive version. I flatten and save as an index file mainly for quick loading etc on my harddrive.
I understand usm sharpening, it acts well on text, removing edge blur.
Several small amounts instead of one large sharpen is often better on the lightness channel I find.
Again cd/dvd is necessary so I can, parcel post to clients or carry 1 back-up, just in case the file becomes corrupted or whatever, when away. Besides, I have a 160gb Freecom external HD at home as well. NOTHING is really reliable.

You're absolutely correct about media, media is also "difficult" with different drives, even same brand names change in reliability as they are often made by a different manufacturers.
Never had a prob with ritek, verbatim or ricoh as yet, x fingers.

Sorry for the length of this, but a least I took the time, as you do, its appreciated .

Take care
nukem [neil uk e-m]

 

[Erik]

Indeed, when necessary, tifs now also can carry several layers. Th problem is that only a few applications can open them as, if I'm not mistaken, it is an Adobe patent/invention. So not everyone will be able to pen them. Yet, as they need layer info, they probably use photoshop themselves which solves the problem.

Indeed, nothing lasts forever. My remark was made out of habit. It is usually best to stress the point that backing up is a necessity. And I wish no one would ever have to face a crashed harddisk without a backup. Yet it does happen daily.

Indeed, usually 256 colours are sufficient to trick the eye. Yet personally I would never use gif for anything serious, except the Internet. Why? The fact of knowing probably...I cannot see the difference between a print from my digital camera made from a jpg at best quality or a raw photo. Thinking is important, but it has to be verified by experiment.

you too take care!

 

[Nuke_m]

Viewing layered tifs?
Irfanview, lovely program,won't view seperate layers but that's not needed by me, and Irfan Skiljan is a smashing guy as well.
If you don't know; its a small prog' 800kb, delete its folder its ALL gone, NO reg entries,dlls etc.
I also use it as a file browser, much quicker than messing with Pshop's browser when editing, [low mem usage].

Trouble is, jpg's compress even at high ratios, and then the size isn't much different. Tifs + gifs don't, so fine lines and text don't form "steam""fuzz". For me that's important on maps or building plans with text.
Your quote:
"but it has to be verified by experiment". so true... and I do.

Been nice contacting you.