Workshop on Census Cartography and Management, Bangkok, Thailand, 15–19 October 2007 Software...

Workshop on Census Cartography and Management, Bangkok, Thailand, 15–19 October 2007

Software Options for Operational GIS in Professional Environments


Summary

• Major Software Platforms• Elements of individual Platforms

• Fully Integrative Software Platforms• Predominantly Image Analysis Software • Platforms

• Issues to be considered


Major Platforms (not exhaustive)

Raster/Vector Integration• ESRI ArcGIS• Geomedia (Intergraph)

• IDRISI• Maptitude

• GRASS• MapInfo (Pitney Bowes)• AutoCAD• Microstation

Image Analysis

•ERDAS Imagine (Leica)

•Geomatica (PCI Geomatics)

•ENVI (ITT visuals)

•Definiens Professional

•Google Earth


ESRI • Market Leader

• Extensive Format Support

• Flexible Functionality for

different users

• Extensive Analysis Toolset

• Database Management of

various data types

• Extensive Support, Trainig, and

Knowledge Base


GeoMedia

• Supports many data types

• Extensive Analysis Toolset

• Direct access to major

geospatial/CAD Data Formats

• Incorporates industry-standard

relational databases

• Regularly updated with full support

• Training


IDRISI

• Open Code

• Single Packaged Product

• Sophisticated Raster based

analysis

• Raster analysis toolset

• Extensive Vector-based data

input and output through

CartaLinx


Maptitude

• Cad & GIS

• Import/Export options

• Address Matching Feature

• Suited for Readily

Available Datasets


Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS)

• Raster/Vector capabilities

• New topological 2D/3D

vector engine and support

for vector network analysis

• First UNIX GIS

• UNIX Functionality

• Open Code

• Global User Base

GRASS 6.2


MapInfo (Pitney Bowes Software)

• Mapping Functionality

• Limited GIS Functionality

• Traditionally Visual Basic

• Flexible Applications

• Global base

• Strong Dissemination Tool


AutoCAD Map

• Sophisticated GIS/CAD

integration

• Grid, Projection, & Topology

Support

• Extensive Database options

• Vector/Raster display and

Analysis

• Menu-based

• Costly


Microstation

• Largely US and European Use

• Cad-Based Mapping

• Limited Analysis Features

• Limited Data Format

Integration & Georeferencing

• Simple Google Earth/Google

SketchUp Interface


Image Analysis Software

• Major platforms -ERDAS Imagine (Leica), ENVI (ITT

Solutions) Geomatica (PCI Geomatics) & Definiens

• Google -for broad based applications

• Raster-based analysis becoming commonplace in census

mapping operations

• Many Image analysis software can integrate vector data

for refined image analysis

• Imagery becoming cheaper and faster to process and

integrate with existing vector datasets


ERDAS IMAGINE 9.1• Raster-based software

designed to extract information from images.

• Handles extensive collections of geospatial data

• Provides client-side interaction with spatially aware databases

• Extends to topological editing of spatial databases

• Vector layer support


Geomatica (PCI Geomatics)

• Handles extensive collections of geospatial data formats

• Provides client-side interaction with spatially aware databases

• Full map production capabilities

• Attribute management tools for viewing, editing, querying and analysis of attributes

• Extensive image processing capabilities


ENVI 4.3 (ITT Solutions)

• Integrates raster imagery with geographic information systems

• Vector layers can be overlain onto image data, to easily compare raster and vector information.

• Relatively extensive support & knowledge base

• Reads vector formats (ArcView shp, ARC/INFO interchange, DXF, Microstation/Intergraph DGN files, USGS DLG files and more)

• Linear feature extractor automatically digitizes everything between the seed points, faithfully following curves, jumping gaps, and snapping vectors if desired


ENVI 4.3 (ITT Solutions)

Feature extraction tool can be used on any linear feature, from roads to coastlines, and saves large amounts of time over traditional point-by-point digitizing.


Definiens• Highly sophisticated automated user defined feature extraction

• Extract geo-information from any kind of remote sensing imagery

• Data Management Connectivity to ArcGIS Server• Load and save vector data to and from databases • Simultaneously update different locations of one large dataset • Update portions of large vector datasets

• Extension for ArcGIS• Allows ArcCatalog to define a collection of maps as a

Definiens’ workspace• enables users to review and edit Definiens’ workspace entries


Definiens Enterprise Image Intelligence Suite


Google Earth

• Free Imagery! However… (Cost associated feature upgrades)

• Global Coverage

• Democratizing Access

• User Friendly

• Large Knowledge Base

• Useful for Quick Display of Raster & Vector Data


Google Earth

• Several External tools and methods for image integration into various GIS platforms exist

• Google Maps Image Downloader

• Georeference to Graticule

• Local Knowledge Control Points


Issues to be considered

• Cost• Upgrades• LAN configuration• Training needs• Ease of installation• Maintenance• Documentation and manuals• Help-line and vendor support• Means of making patches for support• Workforce


Summary• Many commercial suppliers exists

• Evaluate your goals within the census and adopt technologies accordingly

• Evaluate the interoperability of software to best suit both current and future needs

• Collaborate with different agencies and staff on the preferred software platform

• An informed choice is the best choice!


A Complex Process which a savvy GIS consumer should research, select, test, and question before the purchase of a system is made.

Workshop on Census Cartography and Management, Bangkok, Thailand, 15–19 October 2007 Software...

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