GRASS (Geographic Resources Analysis Support System) is a raster based GIS, vector GIS, image processing system, and graphics production system.
GRASS Ref. Manual |
to render maps and images on monitor and paper; manipulate raster, vector, and sites data; process multispectral image data; and create, manage, and store spatial data. GRASS uses both an intuitive windows interface as well as command line syntax for ease of operations. GRASS can interface with commercial printers, plotters, digitizers, and databases to develop new data as well as manage existing data. GRASS is ideal for use in engineering and land planning applications.
Like other GIS packages,
GRASS can display and manipulate vector data for roads, streams, boundaries, and other features.
GRASS can also be used to keep maps updated with its integral digitizing functions. Another feature of
GRASS is its ability to use raster, or cell, data. This is particularly important in spatial analysis and
design. GRASS functions can convert between vector data to raster data for seamless integration.
GRASS' strengths lie in several fields. GRASS Programmers Manual.
The simple user interface makes it an ideal platform for
those learning about GIS for the first time. GRASS is capable of reading and writing maps and data to
many popular commercial GIS packages including ARC/Info and Idrisi. Users wishing to write their own
code can do so by examining existing source code, interfacing with the documented GIS libraries, and
using the
Grass GIS Imagery Command |
This allows more sophisticated functionality to be integrated in
GRASS.
The ability to work with raster data gives GRASS the unique ability to function as a surface
modeling system. GRASS contains more than 100 multi-function raster analysis and manipulation
commands. Surface processes such as rainfall-runoff modeling, flow line construction (as shown), slope
stability analysis, and spatial data analysis are just a few of the many applications of GRASS to
engineering and land planning. Since many of the raster tools are multi-functional, users can create their
own maps from GRASS data analysis.
In addition to standard two-dimensional analysis, GRASS allows users to view data in three dimensions.
Raster maps, vector maps, and sites data can be used for visualization. Example applications
of such capabilities include airspace analysis for airport planning (as shown), terrain analysis and
“flybys”, and spatial trends. Tools in GRASS allow the user to animate any spatial data available with
-the-fly”. Data used in 3-D visualization may also be saved as
still pictures, or as mpeg movie files for later replay and analysis.
Accompanying its land planning and engineering applications, GRASS contains a suite of tools
to aid in hydrologic modeling and analysis.
Currently, tools are also available for performing such functions as watershed analysis, curve number generation, flood analysis, and stream channel characteristics for comprehensive watershed modeling. Other GRASS programs can generate graphs, statistics, and charts of modeled and calibrated data. Additionally, GRASS can use field data for model input or simulate parameters based on numerical data. In addition to the traditional command line version of GRASS, a new user interface, based on Tcl/Tk has been written. This puts the power of spatial analysis and modeling into an easy to use Graphical User Interface that is platform-independent. This intuitive user interface lets users quickly and easily view, manipulate, and use data. Nearly all of the programs available in GRASS are available in the new GUI, with the standard command-line still available, giving users all of the functionality of GRASS.
Currently, tools are also available for performing such functions as watershed analysis, curve number generation, flood analysis, and stream channel characteristics for comprehensive watershed modeling. Other GRASS programs can generate graphs, statistics, and charts of modeled and calibrated data. Additionally, GRASS can use field data for model input or simulate parameters based on numerical data. In addition to the traditional command line version of GRASS, a new user interface, based on Tcl/Tk has been written. This puts the power of spatial analysis and modeling into an easy to use Graphical User Interface that is platform-independent. This intuitive user interface lets users quickly and easily view, manipulate, and use data. Nearly all of the programs available in GRASS are available in the new GUI, with the standard command-line still available, giving users all of the functionality of GRASS.
This manual is part of a comprehensive set of documentation written to support GRASS. This
Users Guide consists of a complete set of command references for all current GRASS functions and tools,
including examples. An installation guide and fact sheet guides users through the installation process.
For those wishing to write their own spatial analysis and modeling applications for GRASS, a
Programmers Guide is also available. GRASS runs on a variety of UNIX and Linux platforms including
SUN SPARC stations and Ultras, HP, Silicon Graphics, and PC’s running Windows 95 and Windows NT.
The GRASS Development Team is currently working to further upgrade and enhance the
capabilities of GRASS.
Future developments include tools that give the user the ability to work completely in 3-D, a capability that does not exist in any other GIS package. Users will be able to work with raster elevation data as well as vector and sites data in the 3-D environment, adding to the visualization capabilities of GRASS. Enhancements in the numerical processing functions of GRASS also now allow for floating-point operations to be performed on data.
Future developments include tools that give the user the ability to work completely in 3-D, a capability that does not exist in any other GIS package. Users will be able to work with raster elevation data as well as vector and sites data in the 3-D environment, adding to the visualization capabilities of GRASS. Enhancements in the numerical processing functions of GRASS also now allow for floating-point operations to be performed on data.
For the latest information on GRASS contact the GRASS Development Team at
grass@baylor.edu or visit at:
http://www.baylor.edu/~grass if you’re in the U.S.
http://www.geog.uni-hannover.de/grass if you’re in Europe
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