A method of analyzing a substrate contacting a fluid present in an industrial system is provided. The method comprises creating a series of digital images of the substrate while contacting the fluid present in the industrial system. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a corrosion trend of the industrial system. In certain embodiments of the method, the fluid is industrial water, and the industrial system is an industrial water system.