A brain flatmap data visualization tool for mouse, rat, and human

Abstract

Here we provide open-access brain data flatmap visualization and analysis tools for the mouse, rat, and human. The present work stems from a previous JCN Toolbox article that introduced a novel flatmap of the mouse brain and substantially enhanced flatmaps of the rat and human brain. These brain flatmap data visualization tools enable computer-generated graphical flatmap representation of tabulated user-entered data. For mouse and rat, they are designed to accommodate data resolved spatially up to the level of gray matter regions, supported by parcellation and nomenclature defined in current brain reference atlases. For human, Brodmann cerebral cortical parcellation is emphasized, and all other major brain divisions are represented. A comprehensive user guide is included along with several use examples. These brain data visualization tools enable the tabulation and automatic graphical flatmap representation of any type of mouse, rat, or human brain data that is spatially localized. The formalized presentation afforded by these graphical tools facilitates comparative analysis between data sets within or between the represented species.