Labeling specific tissues, cells, cell components, or individual molecular species is often critical to correlative microscopic studies. In the case of larger structures such as tissues or cells it is often possible to use fluoresecent labels or cytologic/cytochemical based stains which are observable via photon based imaging systems. Specific locations on cells and tissues identified by the labeling or staining procedure can be delineated and then can be viewed via electron or force based instrumentation. This is provided preparative methodologies can be designed which: 1. are compatible with observation of the particular sample by the various desired imaging modes and 2. do not compromise structure viewed at the higher levels of resolution provided by electron and force based imaging technologies. This approach is particularly valuable where simultaneous multiple labeling is required since color differences permit discrimination of differing fluorescent and/or chromatic stains.