Virtual microscopy

Virtual microscopy is a method of posting microscope images on, and transmitting them over, computer networks.

This allows independent viewing of images by large numbers of people in diverse locations.

[1] The use of virtual microscopes can transform traditional teaching methods by removing the reliance on physical space, equipment, and specimens to a model that is solely dependent upon computer-internet access.

Digitized slides can have a high resolution and are resistant to being damaged or broken over time.

[2] Prior to recent advances in virtual microscopy, slides were commonly digitized by various forms of film scanner and image resolutions rarely exceeded 5000 dpi.