If a picture is worth a thousand words, then…

Abstract

Images are being recognized as an important method of information transfer. Image indexing thus warrants the same kind of serious attention that is given to text analysis and indexing. Levels of analysis, the interpretation of relationships between the elements in an image, and appropriate vocabulary are the central problems. Commonsense guidelines such as rigorous vocabulary control help, but the essential factor is that image storage and retrieval must be valued.