Lost in localization: The need for a universal coordinate database

One of the great advantages of neuroimaging research is the use of an established and uniform coordinate system. This 3-D coordinate system allows for the comparison of activation locations across studies. In order to capitalize upon this advantage, however, researchers must be able to find relevant studies based upon activation locations. A number of research groups have embarked upon solutions to this problem, but to date there exists no exhaustive, universal coordinate database. In this commentary we outline the nature of the problem, its current solutions, and propose alternate solutions. We close with suggestions on how those in the field can facilitate the process of developing a universal coordinate database.

You can find a PDF version of our manuscript here:

To download the article from the publisher's website, go to: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.01.053

Please note that we have created an online questionnaire to gather information regarding the creation of a universal coordinate database for neuroimaging data. We would greatly appreciate it if you completed this questionnaire, and encouraged others to do the same. The questionnaire can be found at http://www.tinyurl.com/db-survey (this URL redirects to Qualtrics.com where the survey is hosted).

Please cite the article as: Derrfuss, J. & Mar, R. A. (2009). Lost in localization: The need for a universal coordinate database. NeuroImage 48(1), 1-7.

Please also note the responses to our commentary: