GRASS GIS: One of the most underutilised and powerful GIS software out there...

Of the many GI software that I have come across one of the most powerful and capable has been grass. This is partly because it is free to use, and also because it is free to modify and add to. Another important and very valuable feature of GRASS GIS is the way it forces users to organise their maps and store them collectively. GRASS store spatial data as structured database file, either in PostgreSQL, sqlite or mySQL, depending on the user preference. When you are working on a GRASS project you will naturally be forced to create a Location, this is the main directory where you data and maps will be stored. In this location will be your map sets and in these map sets will be your vectors or raster files, or maps and satellite images for simplicity.

GRASS have a series of functions for vector processing, raster processing, 3D maps and vectors and rasters. It has the ability to harness the power of your computer, by allowing the user, to use the functionality offered by the software through command line. Hence, putting it in sync with any installed programming/processing languages like Python, Shell Script or Perl. Provided the environment variables have been set right.

Here is a short video on how to start with GRASS GIS. We shall be continuing with additional exercises in the month to help you get a hands on. #NCGSA #FOSSGIS