High resolution scanner systems for inspecting ice core samples. The Large Area Scan Macroscope with a resolution of 5 μm has proven to be an essential tool for inspecting the microstructures of ice cores, both in the field and in the laboratory. The Intermediate Layer Core Scanner was specially developed to analyse ice cores using visual stratigraphy. It is used to examine samples up to 1.2 m in length with a resolution of 51 µm.