This dissertation will set out to explain the techniques by which heightened visual information in two dimensions can be obtained and put to practical use. The intention is not to blind people with science, computers and technical jargon, but to provide a realistic platform of information which can be used by conservators and other individuals to communicate with specialists in the fields of imaging technology. From this it will be possible to immeasurably improve the retrieval of information from images and objects, which, until recently, would have been regarded as being totally out of the grasp of conservators, archaeologists and curators.