An investigation is in process to develop a key system usingdifferent methods of photoregistration of painted surfaces, of known composition, by which at least a number of pigments could be identified directly on the whole surface without taking samples. The acquired information of the recording is valid for the whole surface of the art object under investigation. The basis of the research is the recording of reflected or excited irradiation in the visible, UV and IR spectrum through special filters and lenses on different photographic material. Author's address: National Historic Parks and Sites Branch, Conservation Division, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. -- AATA