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Tracing contours

Tracing contours (or mapping contours) is necessary for many of the analyses in Microlucida.

This option is available when using the Acquire Virtual Tissue tool.

A specimen is in view, and a reference point has been placed.
Click the Acquire Virtual Tissue button .. The Trace Contour button is added to the toolbar.
Select a contour type from the toolbar (freehand, circle or square).
Click Trace>Contour Mapping.
Click the Trace Contour button to open the Trace Contour dialog box . Trace Contour for details on using the dialog box.
Select a contour from the Contour drop-down menu .

To change the name and/or color of a contour, use the Options>Display Preferences>Contours tab.

To select a tracing method, right-click in the tracing window and select Simple Click Tracing, Rubber Line Tracing, or Continuous Tracing . The method chosen is strictly a matter of preference. General Preferences: Tracing

The tracing method can be changed at any time during the tracing by right-clicking in the tracing window or, if you are using a workflow, by selecting a different method at the Tracing your region(s) of interest step.

Trace the contour of choice.
- If the contour is larger than the field of view, it is easiest to trace if Move>AutoMove is turned on.
- If you make a mistake, click Edit>Undo to erase the last drawn points one by one back to the beginning of the contour.

Focusing while tracing

Control the focus via the use of the joystick or the Page Up | Page Down keys on your keyboard.
When using a microscope with a built-in Z motor system, focus using the microscope's focus knobs and the focal depth changes are reported to Microlucida.