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Metal parts produced by fusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes often exhibit complex, spatially varying microstructures, which are difficult to assess using standard X-ray or electron microscopy techniques. This large-scale microstructure heterogeneity complicates the establishment of processing-structure-property relationships and hinders the adoption of AM parts in industry. This article discusses recent advances in optical metallography and data science, which may provide a solution to these problems. Owing to the high measurement throughput, low-cost, and new crystallographic orientation mapping capabilities, optical metallography offers a unique opportunity to rapidly characterize the microstructure of large-scale AM parts and advance our understanding of these complex materials.