Prior to constructing your multi panel figure it is a good idea to first install an image processing program. I chose to install Inkscape. Installation is pretty straight forward. You may need to go to your security settings and allow the software to be installed. Additionally, you will need to install Xquartz the operating system that runs Inkscape.
For my images I chose a garden nasturtium plant that I found at the northern edge of the permaculture garden on UMass campus. I took to images one showing the entire plant and one showing the leafminer activity. I used a one-dollar bill t placed directly behind the leaf for a scale reference. After the pictures were taken, I emailed the pictures to myself so that I would be able to access them from any computer that has access to the internet.
On the computer I created a folder to put the components of this figure into. I then retrieved the images from my email and downloaded them into my newly created folder. Next, I opened Inkscape and imported the images. Once the images were uploaded onto Inkscape I created a map of the area that I found the plant in. It is important that you use a map that you have the rights to when creating your multi panel figure. For this project I used open street map. The map that I selected was not the correct size, so it was necessary to crop it. This requires another program; for this task I used Gimp. This is another free program that allows you to edit images.
Once all the images are on your sheet it would be a good idea to save this to your folder. Next you will need to place the images together in a logical manner. If the images are not the same size, you need to resize them. In order to not stretch or distort the image make sure that you lock the image by selecting the lock it the middle of the Inscape task bar. Next using the measuring tool fit your images together. Once you have completed this you can now add panel identifiers. First create a text box and put your first panel ID in it. I set the font to Ariel and used a 40 for size this fit well. Now once you make your first one selects it and then duplicate it two more times. Once you have finished that change them to the next sequential digits. Next on the full plant image you need to put an arrow pointing at the leaf that you selected for the close-up image. Select straight line maker on the left side task bar. Click near the location of the leaf and move the cursor away a satisfactory distance away and double click. Then open fill and stroke. Select your line and make it the width that you desire. In the same menu select the arrow head that you find to be appropriate. The final step is to set the background to white by making everything 255. Save your file as (your name)_original.
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