bildedokumentasjon

Bildedokumentasjon, or image documentation, is the systematic collection, annotation, and preservation of images to document a subject, event, process, or condition. It creates a verifiable visual record for analysis, reporting, or longitudinal reference. The practice spans fields and may include photographs, scans, and sometimes video stills, always with contextual information.

Uses include documenting construction progress, recording archaeological finds, illustrating research methods, and providing visual evidence in journalism and education. Clear image documentation supports evaluation, replication, and accountability, and can be essential in preserving cultural heritage and scientific data.

Methodology involves planning the scope and subjects, standardizing capture conditions where possible, and adding metadata such as date, location, subject description, photographer, and rights. Images are stored with organized archives, backup copies, and version control. Formats commonly used range from JPEG for access to TIFF or RAW for archival quality.

Metadata practices include EXIF, IPTC, and, for long-term archives, Dublin Core or similar standards. A basic workflow couples image files with accompanying notes, captions, and provenance records to maintain traceability.

Ethical and legal issues include consent and privacy when people are depicted, copyright and licensing, and compliance with data protection laws. Documentation should indicate usage rights and any restrictions.

Benefits and limitations: Bildedokumentasjon provides a lightweight yet powerful record, but quality depends on metadata, consistency, and ethical handling. Regular review, standardized procedures, and training improve reliability and future usability.