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Unwarping images using ArcMap

This guide shows how to use ArcMap to transform an image of a curled book into a flat picture. Scanned images of books are often distorted near the binding. This process can correct that.

Import the Warped Image

  1. Open ArcMap.
     
  2. Under the File menu, select Map Document Properties.

     
     
  3. In the properties, check "Store relative pathnames to data sources".

     
     
  4. Click “OK”.
  5. Save the ArcMap document with a meaningful name.


     
  6. Remember to save your work frequently.
  7. Drag the image you want to uncurl into the ArcMap Table Of Contents. 
     
     
     
  8. A window may pop up asking if you want to build pyramids.  Respond "Yes".

    Create Pyramids      

     
  9. You will then be notified that the spatial reference information is missing.  Respond "OK".

    Missing Spatial References 

     
  10. The result will look something like this:

     After Curled Image Import