The Virtual Microscope Project


A prototype version of the virtual microscope to be used on the Open University course S276 in 2010 has been developed by KMi in collaboration with the departments of Earth and Environmental Sciences and LTS (Learning and Teaching Solutions).

In contrast to the fixed 'virtual instrument' format developed for previous generations of the course, the petrological microscope was designed as a set of intercommunicating modules. This might allow for more flexibile use as they were designed to be embedded within web-based courses and assessment activities.

click image for demo

Single View

Visualisation Technologies


Trials were also made to investigate how other new visualisation technologies might be used in web-based microscopy.

click image sector for demo

Sectors Biological Sector Pan and Zoom Sector Focus Sector Petrological Sector Objects Sector

Stop Press


Images derived from a Martian meteorite have recently been added to the prototype virtual microscope. The thin section from the Martian meteorite is part of the research of Dr Mahesh Anand of the OU’s Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) and the images were processed by Dr Andy Tindle of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

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Previous Website


Original Virtual Microscope
New versions of the petrological microscope have been developed intermittently at the Open University since the early '90's. For the previous version of this web site click here.


Contact us


For more information about the project contact Dr Peter Whalley

For mineralogical aspects of the project, contact Dr Andy Tindle, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.