Mittakuva

Mittakuva is a Finnish term meaning a measurement or scale image. In Finnish scientific and technical contexts, mittakuva refers to an image that includes a visible measurement reference, such as a scale bar or ruler, allowing the viewer to infer the actual size of objects depicted. The concept is widely used in fields where precise dimensions are essential, such as microscopy, geology, archaeology, and engineering drawing.

A mittakuva emphasizes the presence of scale indicators as an integral part of the image, not just as separate documentation. Typical mittakuva contain a clearly labeled scale bar with units (for example, 10 μm or 1 cm) and are designed to ensure that the scale is visible and unobtrusive. In digital imaging, associated metadata may include parameters like pixel size, magnification, and calibration factors, supporting accurate measurement and cross‑comparison across images.

The term is primarily used in Finnish-language texts, with the international equivalents often described as “calibrated image,” “scale image,” or “photomicrograph with scale bar.” Mittakuva are distinct from ordinary photographs because the scale reference is an essential part of the image’s purpose and interpretation. See also: scale bar, photomicrograph, calibration, metadata.