2009, Oceanography 22(2):7–9, http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2009.53
Ellen S. Kappel
For a certain generation of scientists, graphics education began by drafting dissertation figures on mylar, taking photographs in the field with cameras that used real film, and getting slides made for meeting presentations. Over the years, we have been forced to learn new graphics tricks to comply with digital requirements for journals and presentation formats for conferences. But even diligent converts to the new era can find the jargon confusing, and it can be time-consuming to generate graphics in the needed formats and resolutions.
Oceanography works extensively with authors to obtain the best-quality graphics for manuscripts. Although graphics guidelines are posted on the Oceanography Web page (http://www.tos.org/oceanography/guidelines.html), it often takes several tries to get what we need. Experience has highlighted several common misconceptions about graphics, which are summarized below. The brief attempt to identify and correct those misconceptions may help authors generate graphics in proper format for Oceanography as well as for other periodicals.
Kappel, E.S. 2009. Quarterdeck: Common graphics misconceptions. Oceanography 22(2):7–9, http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2009.53.