Considerations on Image Resolution, Measurement Accuracy, and Crossdating in the Digital ERA

Abstract

The field of dendrochronology is currently undergoing a transition, with an increasing reliance on digital analysis. Recent advances in hardware and software have enabled the rapid acquisition of information from wood in ways that were previously unattainable. However, the variety of digitization tools and the high resolutions achievable present a challenge in maintaining replicability and comparabil- ity of results. In addition, the high speed at which data are collected can lead to overlooking important aspects of dendrochronological techniques. For example, awareness of resolution of images for tree-ring measurements or even crossdating may play a minor role when setting tree-ring boundaries or may be biased towards the first samples measured. This commentary addresses potential sources of error in the novel advances of digital techniques and highlights the suitability of combining digital advances with traditional data-control procedures that maintain the robustness and replicability of dendrochronological methods.