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We describe a new methodology for rapid 2D and 3D computer analysis and visualisation of gene expression and gene product pattern in the context of anatomy and tissue architecture. It is based on episcopic imaging of embryos and tissue samples, as they are physically sectioned, thereby producing inherently aligned digital image series and volume data sets, which immediately permit the generation of 3D computer representations. The technique uses resin as embedding medium, eosin for unspecific tissue staining, and colour reactions (β-galactosidase/Xgal or BCIP/NBT) for specific labelling of gene activity and mRNA pattern. We tested the potential of the method for producing high-resolution volume data sets of adult human and porcine tissue samples and of specifically and unspecifically stained mouse, chick, quail, frog, and zebrafish embryos. The quality of the episcopic images resembles the …