外文翻译 GIS软件和数据结构

外文资料

GIS software and data structures(bilingual)

1、Arc/Info

Arc/Info is a long-lived full functions GIS package that has been ported to the microcomputer, the workstation, and the mainframe. Arc/Info is used to automate, manipulate, analyze, and display geographic data and incorporates hundreds of sophisticated tools for map automation, data conversion, database management, map overlay and spatial analysis, interactive display and query, graphic editing, and address geocoding. The software includes a relational database interface for integration with commercial database management systems and macro language for developing customized applications called AML (ARC Macro Language). Arc/Info is a generic nonapplication specific approach to geographic information systems, allowing the software to address virtually any geographic application. The software runs both on higher and microcomputers and is available on several Unix workstations and for Windows NT.

2、ArcView

ArcView is available for Windows, Macintosh, and a variety of Unix platforms. It is a desktop system for storing, modifying, querying, analyzing, and displaying information about geographic space. Support for spatial and tabular queries, “hot links” to other desktop applications and data types, busine ss graphic functions such as charting, bar and pie charts, and map symbolization, desing, and layout capabilities are supported. Gocoding and address matching are also possible. ArcView is also a product of ESRI, who makes Arc/Info. There is compatibility between the two systems, with ArcView being more oriented toward map display than database management. When the ArcView version II software was introduced, the original ArcView software was placed into the public domain and is available over the Internet.

3、Atlas GIS

AtlasGIS is available for both DOS and as version 3.0 for Windows. The original vendor has recently sold the software to Clartas, which in turn was purchased in 1996 by ESRI. This GIS lets you display, edit, and analyze information from a database or spreadsheet on a map, and can turn statistics and tabular data into graphics for decision-making and presentation purposes. Atlas GIS has a database management system with spreadsheet-style presentation, map editing, drawing tools, and reporting. Atlas GIS for Windows includes features that give SQL data access and street-level geocoding of addresses. Interfacing with the Oracle DBMS is also possible.

The graphics allow full-featured geographical analysis and integrated database connectivity. In recent comparative reviews, three GIS and computer magazines awarded AtlasGIS for Windows the highest rating in value and ease of use. The GUI builds on Windows to allow “point and click” access, a button bar, and a page layout system that displays the map automatically. Several map “style sheets” come with the program. Legends, titles, scale bars and other elements update automatically. A CD ROM of U.S. addresses allows nationwide geocoding by address matching and supports mapping. A map layer management sy stem let’s you click to change colors, settings, styles, visibility, and so on. Interface via Windows OLE, allowing cut and paste to other Windows applications, is possible.

4、GRASS

The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories has developed publicdomain software called the Geographical Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS). Grass is raster based, was the first Unix GIS software, and has been considerably enhanced by the addition of user contributions, for example in hydrologic modeling. GRASS is available free over the Internet. Many users run GRASS on PC’s under the Linux version of UNIX. Since 1985, CERL has released upgrades and enhancements to GRASS and provided technical user support. CERL terminated GRASS related work in the spring of 1996. Under formal agreements, CERL now works with commercial vendors both to support GRASS and to integrate its capabilities into commercial system. Existing information on the GRASS World