VFF: Image libraries in the cloud: an interactive multi dimensional neuroanatomical atlas of the mouse, rat and macaque
Neuroanatomical atlases serve as maps in comparing data from disparate researchers. The majority of these atlases are based on collections of 2D slices- usually from conventional histology. We present here a multidimensional atlas of the mouse, rat and monkey based on MRI of postmortem specimens. Images have been acquired at spatial resolution up to 100,000 X that of a clinical scan. The data sets are too large (50 GB) to share by conventional means. We have developed an interactive application on the NVIDIA GRID server that serves the data from the cloud. The GRID, designed initially for gamers, provides many users simultaneous access without the need of downloading to the client. The application, based on 3DSlicer and VTK, guides the user through the data with predefined protocols.