Development of MRI-based atlases of non-human brains

Brain atlases are a fundamental resource for neuroscience research. In the past few decades they have undergone a transition from traditional printed histological atlases to digital atlases made up of multiple data sets from multiple modalities, and atlases based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have become widespread. Here we discuss the methods involved in making an MRI brain atlas, including registration of multiple data sets into a model, ontological classification, segmentation of a minimum deformation model, dissemination strategies, and applications of these atlases. Finally, we discuss possible future directions in the development of brain atlases.