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We developed a complete image processing workflow to merge the information obtained by both imaging methods. The workflow includes method-specific preprocessing steps, image registration to spatially match the information, and dimension reduction to simplify the data. Spatialised information can then be superimposed to match the chemical composition and mobility of the water, and thus to understand, without any preconceived ideas, the molecules whose location correlates best with that of the water.

When applied to wheat grains at different stages of development, the method can be used to correlate the nature of hydration to the degree of substitution and acetylation of non-cellulosic polysaccharides present in the grain walls. In particular, the co-location of the most substituted and/or highly acetylated xylans in the most hydrated regions suggests a higher porosity of the walls related to the xylan modification.