On July 1, 8, and 15, 2026, the sixth edition of the “Image Analysis” course, using Image-Pro software, was held at IFOP-Valparaíso.
This year, due to ongoing requests from staff who perform routine work in the plankton laboratory, personnel from the Department of Oceanography and Environment, the Department of Fisheries Assessment, and the Department of Resource Assessment were trained.
With 14 participants, instructor Lizandro Muñoz, who has extensive international and national training in microscopy and image analysis, among other areas, explained that the course aimed to cover all the topics outlined in the program, while also emphasizing potential challenges related to the use of stereoscopic microscopy. This resulted in very positive interaction among the participants.
Furthermore, she commented that some images previously obtained by the participants were also used, further increasing the existing knowledge regarding the samples processed in the laboratory. In addition, image processing exercises were conducted during the course, where the attendees suggested ways to improve the images or apply the available tools to obtain counts and various morphometric data of the objects or samples studied daily.
This training has provided an opportunity to form a strong group of individuals who could develop or collaborate on studies involving the use of “Image Analysis,” including in the area of photogrammetry. However, they still need to address their own challenges and develop work routines that will allow them to improve their results in terms of image capture, counting, and measurements of their samples.
Finally, the speaker thanked everyone for their attendance and interest in participating in this course, adding that to date IFOP already has a considerable number of trained people with good knowledge in “Image Analysis” covering Valparaíso, Talcahuano and Puerto Montt (which included a Laboratory Analyst who traveled from Punta Arenas on that occasion).
