These map-based analyses are typically conducted by establishing a ‘one-to-one’ correspondence of voxels across different brains, either using automated algorithms (Lerch & Evans, 2005) or by manually tracing sulcal landmarks that are then used to match individual cortical regions across subjects or across time (cortical pattern matching) (P.M. Thompson, Mega, Vidal, Rapoport, & Toga, 2001). When longitudinal MRI data are aligned across subjects and analyzed using sophisticated statistical algorithms, the dynamic trajectory of gray and white matter development can be visualized as it varies with age, and in different clinical populations, such as those with bipolar illness or schizophrenia (Gogtay, Ordonez et al., 2007; Vidal et al., 2006).
