# Choosing the Right Surface Imaging Technique

> With so many surface imaging techniques available, it can be a challenge to select the best method for your project. Each technique provides surface data which can impact numerous functional characteristics of materials, parts, and devices. This eBrief will provide a quick reference of key considerations across 8 main surface imaging methods to help you make […]

Source: https://covalent.com/resource-library/choosing-the-right-surface-imaging-technique/
Updated: 2026-01-09T10:56:06+00:00

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# Choosing the Right Surface Imaging Technique

 [![Choosing the Right Surface Imaging Technique](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Choosing-the-Right-Surface-Imaging-Technique.jpg)](https://covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/covalent-metrology-cheat-sheet.pdf)

May 21, 2021

With so many surface imaging techniques available, it can be a challenge to select the best method for your project. Each technique provides surface data which can impact numerous functional characteristics of materials, parts, and devices.

[This eBrief](/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/covalent-cheat-sheet-v2.1.pdf) will provide a quick reference of key considerations across 8 main surface imaging methods to help you make the best choice, faster.

**Read the blog:** [Guiding Principles when Planning Surface Roughness Analysis](https://covalent.com/techniques/)

**For more information about the techniques in this eBrief, check out:**

1. [Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)](https://covalent.com/techniques/morphology-structural-analysis/atomic-force-microscopy-afm/)
2. [Chromatic Dispersion Profilometry (CDP)](https://covalent.com/techniques/morphology-structural-analysis/chromatic-confocal-profilometry/)
3. [Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM / VK)](https://covalent.com/techniques/optical-analysis/laser-scanning-confocal-microscopy-lscm-vkx/)
4. [Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)](https://covalent.com/techniques/electron-microscopy/scanning-electron-microscopy-sem/)
5. [(Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (S/TEM)](https://covalent.com/techniques/electron-microscopy/scanning-transmission-electron-microscopy-stem/)
6. [White Light Interferometry (WLI)](https://covalent.com/techniques/chemical-analysis/white-light-interferometry-wli/)
7. [Wide Area, 3D Patterned Light Measurement (VR)](https://covalent.com/techniques/morphology-structural-analysis/structured-light-profilometry/)

[Click here to download the eBrief](https://covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/covalent-metrology-cheat-sheet.pdf)

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