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
Source:
Industrial Design Centre
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Powai Mumbai 400 076
