DataScan: An extensible program for image analysis in Java Original Research Article

The ability to analyze the topography of two-dimensional images is essential for many applications in the physical, chemical, and biological sciences. We describe a computer program to graphically display and perform numerical operations on large two-dimensional arrays of double-precision numbers. It contains an intuitive graphical user interface, and it includes a suite of useful image analysis and data reduction features. The program has been implemented in Java, a recent programming language whose “write once, run anywhere” philosophy enables graphical capabilities without modification on a wide variety of computers, operating systems and environments. DataScan has been optimized for ease of modification and extensibility, to enable straightforward customization to perform new tasks or include new analysis options. Diverse applications including X-ray and neutron diffraction, as well as microscopy are described.