Scholarly Image Taxonomy

Explore the comprehensive classification system for scholarly images, developed by the STM Alt-Text Accessibility Task & Finish Group. This taxonomy helps identify and categorize different types of visual content used in scholarly and professional documentation.

15
Main Categories
116
Subcategories
9
Specialized Types
140
Total Classifications

Quick Search

Try searching for: "chart", "microscopy", "diagram", "photograph", etc.

Browse Categories

Chart

Graphical representation of data using visual elements like bars, lines, or slices to make information easier to understand and analyze than raw numbe...

13 subcategories Explore Category

Equation

A symbolic image showing a relationship or balance between elements like numbers, chemicals, or variables.

3 subcategories Explore Category

Graphical illustration

A visually crafted image-drawn, rendered, or digitally created-to represent objects, concepts, or systems. It emphasizes form, structure, or relations...

5 subcategories Explore Category

Map

A visual representation of geographic areas showing locations, boundaries, or spatial relationships. Similar to the category Charts, the category Maps...

10 subcategories Explore Category

Mathematical visualization

Visualizations used to concisely express mathematical ideas, operations, and proofs.

3 subcategories Explore Category

Medical imagery

Visual records produced by medical imaging technologies to reveal internal structures and aid diagnosis.

8 subcategories Explore Category

Microscopy

Photograph or digital image taken through a microscope, showing highly magnified details of tiny objects, specimens, or structures not visible to the ...

4 subcategories Explore Category

Musical notation

Any kind of notational system to visually represent music.

4 subcategories Explore Category

Photograph

Real objects or environments captured by an optical device

9 subcategories Explore Category

Plot

Shows data points on graph

19 subcategories Explore Category

Relational diagram

Show connections between parts

17 subcategories Explore Category

Table

A structured arrangement of data into rows and columns, designed for systematic comparison and easy reference.

3 subcategories Explore Category

Technical illustration

A precise, often schematic, drawing used to explain the design, function, or assembly of technical systems, tools, or processes.

14 subcategories Explore Category

Text as image

Shows written words or symbols as a visual element.

4 subcategories Explore Category

Complex image

A complex image is a visual that combines multiple graphic formats or detailed data and cannot be fully communicated through a short alternative text ...

Explore Category

How to Use This Taxonomy

Navigate the taxonomy by browsing the broad category cards above. Select a card to find more specific image types, then refer to each definition to determine whether it matches the classification you need.

You can also use the search bar to find image types by name, definition, or related term.

What You'll Find

  • Detailed definitions for each image type
  • Related terms and alternative names
  • Hierarchical organization from general to specific
  • Examples and usage guidelines where available