Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) is an open source Geographic Information System (GIS) used for geospatial data management and analysis, image processing, graphics/maps production, spatial modeling, and visualization.
It consists of more than 400 modules for processing vector (2D/3D), raster and voxel data. Many interfaces to other programs in related domains like geostatistics, databases, mapserver and even other GIS software exist.
It can serve as a Desktop GIS and as the backbone of a complete GIS infrastructure.
It was created in the 1980s by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USA/CERL) and has been enhanced by many others.
GRASS is currently used in scientific applications, commercial settings and by public officials all over the world.
Features include:
- wxPython graphical user interface (wxGUI):
- Layer Manager – includes map layer management, integrated command-line prompt, and command output window tab.
- Map Display Window – integrates basic tools for zooming, panning, data querying, and map elements (north arrows, barscale, etc.).
- Module dialogs enable running GRASS modules.
- 2D raster analysis and 3D voxel management (volumes).
- 2D/3D Vector engine with SQL based DBMS support.
- Image processing modules.
- Vector network analysis, Linear Referencing System.
- Visualization of 2D, 3D maps and volumes.
- Interoperable with standard raster and vector formats.
- Modular architecture and scripting capabilities for batch processing.
- Supports various RDBMS (Relational database management system) and embedded databases. SQL (Structured Query Language) queries are directly passed to the underlying database system.
- Over 400 built-in analysis modules and 100 community supplied add-on modules and toolboxes can be downloaded for free.
- Python interface to the C library – create new modules in a simple way while at the same time creating powerful and fast modules.
- Can be used either as a stand-alone application or as backend for other software packages such as QGIS and R geostatistics.
Website: grass.osgeo.org
Support: Documentation, Quickstart, FAQ, Mailing Lists
Developer: Refractions Research
License: GNU Lesser General Public License
GRASS is written in C, C++, and Python. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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