GRAM++ : A Geographic Information System
Introduction
GRAM++ is a geographic information system (GIS) software developed by the Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering (CSRE), Indian Institute of Technology (lIT), Bombay, India with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Main Interface
GRAM++ has rich functionality to support: Spatial database preparation by import of data from popular GIS formats, Mar editing and onscreen digitization of scanned document, Analysis using tools such as Vector analysis, TIN, Network analysis enabling map display, query, statistical chart generation, distance calculation, thematic map generation, terrain modeling and contour generation, shortest path and spatial allocation problem, GRAM++ has also equally rich raster functionality. Raster analysis allows map algebra, map overlay, buffering, regroup, watershed analysis; zonal/focal/local analysis terrain modeling allows bUilding DEM from contours or spot heights, visibility, profile plotting, slope/aspect/relief. Image processing supports a range of popular features such image enhancement and filtering, principal component transform, band arithmetic, neural network for analysing remotely sensed images that can lead to build up of GIS databases.
GRAM++ at present also supports a basic statistics utility to derive several statistical parameters such as mean, median, mode, skewness, curtosis etc. GRAM++ has powerful map composition tools for composing cartographic quality maps for both raster and vector types.
Input/Output
The GRAM++ Input/Output module helps to convert the data sets from other popular, formats such as Autodesk DXF, ESRI. SHP, Survey of India's DVD, and a range of weil known raster formats into GRAM++ format and vice versa.
Map Edit
The GRAM++ Map Edit module ailows the user to do on-Screen digitization, removing errors, forming polygon, labeling/ re-Iabeling of points, lines or polygons, building topology, creating default attribute databases, rasterizing vector data etc.
Vector Analysis
The GRAM++ Vector Analysis module helps users in retrieving, displaying and querying on their data sets available in a GRAM++ GIS database. This module also ailows the users to display statistical information on a map in the form of pie-diagrams, bar-charts, line-charts and also can generate graph for selected features. cartographic quality layouts can be prepared with titles, legend, scale bar, North direction Query processing in Vector indicator, and lat-Iong grid with a range of Analysis module user selectable options.
Network Analysis
The Network Analysis module is useful in applications like allocation of facilities and route planning. This tooi helps determine the shortest path between two facility nodes, optimally allocate demand nodes to different supply nodes.
Terrain/TIN
The Terrain/TIN modules are useful in generating digital elevation model by interpolation or triangulation from spot heights or through contour interpolation . Other functions available here include
slope/ aspect/relief, visibility, and profile plotting.
Raster Analysis
The Raster Analysis helps in spatial modeling in application such as land suitability analysis, soil erosion assessment, and environmental impact studies. The package has rich functionality like Map Algebra, Buffering, Regrouping, Watershed delineation, Zonal/Focal Analysis and so on.
Image Processing
The GRAM++ Image Processing module enables user to display, enhance, transform, and classify remotely sensed images. This module also allows registration of multiscale images as well as registration of classified images with vector data layers for delineating temporal changes in a mutidate dataset.
Layout (Vector/Raster)
The Vector/Raster layout modules support cartographic quality map composition using features such as Title, Legend, Scale Bar, North direction indicator and lat-Iong grid. The composed map can be saved in popular graphic formats for printing on commonly available hard-eopy devices.
User Specific Packages
GRAM++ DPT: Data Preparation Toolkit Input/ Output. Map Edit and Vector Analysis. Suited for Map Digitization Community GRAM++ Raster: Input/ Output, Raster Analysis, Terrain Modelling, image processing and layout. Well suited for spatial modeling applications in raster domain.
GRAM++ Programmers Toolbox: Collection of Aetivex controls suitable for development of custom stand-alone application software with
embedded GIS capabilities
System Configuration
Designed to work on a commonly available computer system to make it accessible to a larger number of users, GRAM++ could he used on
- Intel Pentium II or higher D 128 MB RAM or higher
- 300 MB free disk space for the software, on-line help, and sample data sets
- 24 bit display
- Laser/Inkjet printer for printing hard copy layouts
- Windows 9X/NT/2000/XPoperating system
- MS Access DBMS for creating and editing attribute database
For further information please contact
Industrial Design Centre
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Powai Mumbai 400 076
