Release 2

Reference Guide
May 2001
J. Ronald Eastman

Clark Labs
Clark University
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA
01610-1477 USA

tel: +1-508-793-7526
fax: +1-508-793-8842
email: idrisi@[Link]
web: [Link]

Idrisi Source Code

©1987-2001
J. Ronald Eastman

Idrisi Production
©1987-2001
Clark University

Manual Version 32.20

License Agreement
The software described in this document is furnished under a license, and may be used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of the license. Idrisi32 Release 2 is intended primarily as a low-cost vehicle for teaching and scholarly research.
Accordingly, generous discounts for academic, research and student licenses are available.
The Idrisi32 Release 2 software described in this document is protected by the United States Copyright Law and Interna-
tional Treaty provisions. This software remains the property of Clark Labs, Clark University. However, Clark Labs grants
the purchaser non-exclusive license to use this software subject to the terms outlined in this statement.
The purchaser of a single-user license of Idrisi32 Release 2 is licensed to install and use the software on no more than one
single-user computer system. The purchaser is also permitted to make a backup copy of the Idrisi32 Release 2 distribution
media for the sole purpose of protecting the purchaser’s investment from loss. The purchaser may not rent or lease the
software, but may transfer the license upon written agreement from Clark Labs. The user may not reverse-engineer,
decompile, or disassemble the Idrisi32 Release 2 software or any of its associated software programs contained on the dis-
tribution media.
The pdf manual that accompanies this software is also protected by United States Copyright Law and International Treaty
provisions. All rights are reserved. No part of the manuals may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, microfilm, recording, or otherwise without written con-
sent of Clark Labs. Direct translation of any part of the manuals is also prohibited without the written permission of the
copyright holder.

Warranty
This software is sold “as is,” and the information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Furthermore, the
Clark Labs assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document, or in the software it describes.
THE CLARK LABS DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO DEFECTS IN THE CD-ROM AND/OR DOCUMENTATION, AND THE PRO-
GRAM LICENSE GRANTED HEREIN IN PARTICULAR, AND WITHOUT LIMITING OPERATION OF THE
PROGRAM LICENSE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR APPLICATION, USE, OR PURPOSE. IN NO
EVENT SHALL THE CLARK LABS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFIT OR ANY OTHER COMMER-
CIAL DAMAGE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
OTHER DAMAGES.

Trademarks
IDRISI and CartaLinx are registered trademarks of Clark Labs, Clark University. Windows and Access are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. Arc/Info and ArcView are trademarks of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. Map-
Info is a registered trademark of MapInfo Corporation. Acrobat Reader Copyright 1987-2001 Adobe Systems Incorpo-
rated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. All other product
names mentioned in this volume may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are
hereby acknowledged.

IDRISI Reference Guide 1

Introduction
Thank you for choosing Idrisi32 Release 2 and welcome to the Clark Labs. The organization was founded in 1987 as the
IDRISI Project by Geography Professor Ron Eastman. In 1994, the name was changed to the Clark Labs to reflect the
broader suite of software offered and the full range of activities undertaken.
The Clark Labs is an educational and research institution located at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
The Clark Labs is one of four centers within the George Perkins Marsh Institute at Clark University, and enjoys close ties
with the Graduate School of Geography and the International Development program at Clark. Activities of the Clark
Labs may be broadly grouped into three areas: the development, distribution and support of the geographic analysis and
image processing software system IDRISI and the digitizing and vector editing package CartaLinx; research; and educa-
tional programs.

Software
Clark Labs software is designed to be easy to use, yet provide professional-level capabilities on Windows-based personal
computers. They are intended to be affordable to all levels of users and to run on common computer platforms.
Since the introduction of the IDRISI system in 1987, it has grown to become the largest raster-based microcomputer GIS
and image processing system on the market. IDRISI and its companion products are supported by a full-time staff dedi-
cated to the development and support of the software for over 25,000 installations in more than 140 countries around the
world.
In 1998, Clark Labs released CartaLinx, a spatial data builder. The software is intended for digitizing, database develop-
ment and topological editing. CartaLinx supports a variety of input methods and formats and is intended as a companion
to many common GIS and Desktop Mapping products including IDRISI, Arc/Info, ArcView and MapInfo.

Research
There are currently several active research groups at the Clark Labs. These include: Change and Time Series Analysis,
Decision Support and Error Incorporation in GIS, Geostatistical Analysis and Surface Modeling, and Technology Trans-
fer and System Implementation. Journal articles, conference presentations, project documents, training materials, and new
software capabilities are typical products of these research activities. Much of this research focuses on how these research
problems manifest themselves in developing countries.

Educational Programs
The Clark Labs is also concerned with the development of training materials and the provision of training. IDRISI soft-
ware packages are distributed with a set of tutorial exercises and data that guide the new user through the concepts of GIS
and Image Processing while also introducing the features of IDRISI. The tutorial exercises are appropriate for use in self-
training or in classroom settings. Because of its low cost and advanced capabilities, IDRISI has always been a popular
choice for teaching GIS and Image Processing at the university level. CartaLinx also includes a tutorial that teaches the
fundamentals of vector topology and database manipulation as well as CartaLinx operation.
In 1990, the Clark Labs (then the IDRISI Project) signed a memorandum of understanding with UNITAR (United
Nations Institute for Training and Research) to provide scientific assistance to its training programs through the develop-
ment of curricula and training materials related to specific application areas. A series of workbooks, Explorations in Geo-
graphic Information Systems Technology, is produced and is available from the Clark Labs. Each workbook includes an
overview that explores in detail the theoretical aspects of the given application, a bibliography, and a set of exercises using
real-world data to explore the issues raised.
Intensive hands-on introductory training sessions in GIS and Image Processing, typically lasting five days, are offered
three times per year at Clark University and on request at other sites. These training sessions provide theoretical back-

IDRISI Reference Guide 2

ground material essential to the new GIS user, as well as training in using IDRISI and CartaLinx. Intermediate and
advanced training sessions, customized to the needs of trainees, are also available.

IDRISI is not an Acronym!

The IDRISI software was named after Mohammed al-Idrisi, geographer and cartographer to the court of King Roger, the
Norman King of Sicily, during the medieval period. Idrisi was born in 1099 AD in Sebtah (now Ceuta) on the North Afri-
can coast of what is now Morocco. Idrisi traveled widely throughout Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia
Minor. Commissioned by King Roger to prepare a geographical survey of the world, Idrisi headed a collaborative effort
by scholars and technicians of the Rogerian Court at Palermo. Idrisi procured a ball of silver weighing approximately 400
kilograms and meticulously recorded on it the seven continents with trade routes, lakes, and rivers, major cities, plains,
and mountains. He also included such information as the distance, length, and height as appropriate.
Based on direct field studies as well as archival sources, the maps and text resulting from that collaboration served as pri-
mary references for over 500 years. It is to this spirit of collaboration in geographic inquiry that the IDRISI software, and
the Clark Labs, is dedicated.

Contacting Clark Labs

We hope you enjoy your use of Idrisi32 Release 2. Our users are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience and
methods of application.
To contact Clark Labs, our address is:
Clark Labs
Clark University
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610-1477 USA
To contact us by phone, fax, electronic mail, or to visit our web site:
Customer Support: +1.508.793.7526
Technical Inquiries: +1.508.793.7528
Fax: +1.508.793.8842
Internet: idrisi@[Link]
Web Site: [Link]
Our office hours are from 09:00-17:00 hours US Eastern Time (-5 hours GMT Winter/-4 hours GMT Summer) Monday
through Friday. An answering machine takes messages after hours.

Installation
System Requirements
Idrisi32 Release 2 is a 32-bit, object-oriented version of IDRISI, running on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT and 2000. It
requires a Pentium-based computer (Pentium II or higher recommended) with 32 MB of RAM (64+ MB recommended). A

IDRISI Reference Guide 3

mouse and CD-ROM drive are also necessary. A minimum display size of 800 x 600 with SVGA resolution is needed
(1024 x 768 or more with 64,000 colors is recommended). The program itself occupies approximately 120 MB of hard
disk storage space. Another 100 MB is required for the Tutorial data. Required hard disk storage for data will vary accord-
ing to the particular projects undertaken.

Installation
1. Fill out the registration card. Before starting the Idrisi32 Release 2 installation, you should take a few minutes to com-
plete and return the registration card found with your packaging material. Return of this card will ensure that we have the
correct contact information, allowing us to provide you with notification of changes or upgrades to the software.
2. Locate your installation password. During the installation process, you will be required to enter a password. This pass-
word is unique to your installation and carries information that can identify you on all copies made from the included dis-
tribution media. Your password can be found on the back of the CD jewel case.
3. Read the Read Me First insert included with the software. This insert may include special installation instructions.
4. Autorun installation. Place the Idrisi32 Release 2 CD into your CD drive. Autorun will automatically begin the instal-
lation. You will be shown the license agreement. Please read the terms and if you are in agreement, you may continue
installation. Then follow the instructions provided by the setup program. When you are finished with each screen, click
the Next button. You will be provided with a number of options, such as where to place the Idrisi32 Release 2 files. Click
on the Finish button on the last screen to complete the installation.
Special Note: We recommend the font size in Window Display Properties to be set to small when using Idrisi32 Release
2. Although Idrisi32 Release 2 will run using large fonts display, some dialog boxes will not be optimally displayed.

Windows Component Installation

Installation with Idrisi32 Release 2 requires the installation of Microsoft’s Data Access Objects (DAO) 3.5, DCOM,
Micosoft’s Jet Engine 3.5 and Microsoft Common Windows Control 5.0. As a result, the initial part of the installation
requires the update or installation of these and other required Windows components. The installation of these compo-
nents may require that your computer reboot. You should therefore close all other applications before beginning the
installation. If you have problems during the installation process, you should also temporarily remove any programs and
memory resident programs from the Windows Startup menu. Please be patient and avoid using the computer during the
installation process. If you have any difficulty, please contact Clark Labs Technical Support.

Resident AntiVirus Software

Some types of resident antivirus software may interfere with the rebooting process. This occurs only when the antivirus
program is loaded at startup and is running in the background. You should permanently disable all antivirus programs at
startup. They can be turned on again after the installation.

Required Windows Components

One of three problems can be attributed to an improper installation: 1) the Idrisi32 Release 2 program will not open
resulting in a RunTime 217 error on launch (fix, DAO 3.5); 2) Database Workshop will not run properly (fix, JET 3.5 and
DAO 3.5); and 3) the graphical elements of the Idrisi32 Release 2 speed icons will be grayed out (fix, Microsoft Common
Windows Control 5.0). If you notice any of these problems, you should run the installation again. Please contact Clark
Labs Technical Support if any of these problems persist.

IDRISI Reference Guide 4

Uninstalling Idrisi32 Release 2
During installation, a record of all installed files is registered with Windows. If you need to uninstall the software, go to
Control Panel’s Add/Remove Programs, and choose to remove Idrisi32 Release 2. This process should remove all files asso-
ciated exclusively with Idrisi32 Release 2. Idrisi32 Release 2 can be reinstalled at any time. Note: This uninstall does not
remove the required Windows components installed at the beginning of the Idrisi32 Release 2 installation.

Moving the Idrisi32 Release 2 System

The recommended procedure for moving the Idrisi32 Release 2 system to a new directory or computer is to UNIN-
STALL (See Uninstalling Idrisi32 Release 2) and then use INSTALL again to reinstall the system in the desired location.

Running the INSTALL Program to Modify the Installa-

tion
You can re-run the SETUP program at any time to reinstall. You can also use this option to install or reinstall the tutorial
data.

For Our International Users

For Idrisi32 Release 2 to read files correctly, a period (full stop) must be used as the decimal separator in numbers (e.g.,
1234.56). If a comma is used instead (e.g., 1234,56), some files may not display correctly. It is also important that the
Grouping Symbol (thousands separator) be set to a comma, not a period (e.g., 1,234.56). Failure to do so will cause print-
ing errors in Idrisi32 Release 2.
To change or check this setting, open the Windows Control Panel and then open International Setting (also called
Regional Options) and go to the Numbers tab. The decimal symbol format should be using the period (.) as the decimal
separator. The Grouping Symbol (or thousands separator or digit separator) must be set to a comma (,).

Software Piracy
Clark Labs believes strongly in the democratization of technology. Tools such as GIS should not be reserved for those
with large budgets, but should be available to all who have a need for it. It is with this commitment that we operate as a
not-for-profit-organization. Of equal importance is our commitment to maintaining the viability of Clark Labs and the
continued improvement of the software into the future.
Idrisi32 Release 2 software is protected by United States and International Copyright Law. Unauthorized copying and
installation of the software constitutes theft, and the use of unauthorized software is subject to prosecution under United
States and International Copyright Law by the Software Publishers Association. The consequences of software piracy can
be quite serious, both for the individuals involved and their employers.
During installation, you will be required to type in the password supplied with the software. This code contains informa-
tion that identifies you and your organization to the software. If you provide another individual with access to your pass-

IDRISI Reference Guide 5

word and copy of the software, any installation made by them is also encoded with your name. If they subsequently
distribute or resell the software, those additional copies will also include your name.
We recognize that the only way to prevent software piracy is to seek legal remedies against those who participate in this
type of activity. If we determine a user has allowed others to copy or install our software, all information regarding the sit-
uation will be turned over to the appropriate domestic or international authorities for investigation and possible prosecu-
tion. United States and International Copyright Law prohibits the unauthorized duplication and installation of software,
regardless of whether any financial transaction is involved.
Clark Labs is a not-for-profit-organization, and our financial resources are constrained by the number of copies of soft-
ware we sell. These are the same financial resources we use to develop and support our products. Software piracy is actu-
ally theft from all licensed users of IDRISI. If you are aware of an organization or individual who is illegally using IDRISI
products, we request that you contact our Customer Support Office and anonymously report them to us. Additionally,
illegal software usage can be reported to the Software Publishers Association ((800) 388-7478) or the Business Software
Alliance ((800) 688-2721) in the United States.

Clark Labs Return Policy

Returns are only accepted due to installation difficulties and must receive prior authorization from Customer Support.
Compatibility and workability issues can be addressed by the user with our trial version available on our web site.

Clark Labs Technical Support

The Clark Labs is dedicated to providing registered users with quality technical support. For those who have purchased
technical support we provide expert assistance on the following types of issues:
Software Installation
Tutorial Exercise Assistance
Software Operation
Import and Export of Supported Data Formats
Identification of Appropriate Module(s) for Particular Analyses
To receive technical assistance, you must have purchased technical support and be running the latest available update of
IDRISI or CartaLinx. We maintain free software updates (also known as patches) that any registered user can download
from our web site at http:\\[Link]. Check the version number of your installed software in the
HELP\ABOUT menu and then visit our web site’s download area to compare with the update’s release number. If your
installed version has a lower release number, download and install the update. After updating, check if your problem has
been resolved.
If you are experiencing a technical problem with a specific module or you are receiving unexpected results, the problem
resolution may be in the software’s Help System. Check the Help System’s entry for the module/command you are run-
ning. Most IDRISI commands include supplemental information concerning the module’s limitations in the respective
“Notes” section.
If the update and the Help System information have not resolved your problem, please contact our Technical Assistance
Staff. The preferred method of contact is via e-mail and for your convenience, we provide online forms on our web site’s
Technical Assistance page: [Link]/12TEKSUP/[Link]. These forms provide us with all of the infor-

IDRISI Reference Guide 6

mation we require to resolve your problem as quickly as possible. In times of high support load, users requesting assis-
tance via the web forms will be prioritized. If you choose to call by phone, the Technical Assistance Staff may ask that you
send it as an e-mail, especially if the problem is complicated.
You must provide the following in your initial contact with us:
1. Your Customer ID number, name, phone and e-mail address (if available).
2. The name and version number of the Clark Labs product you are using.
3. A description of your hardware and operating system.
4. A detailed description of the problem you are experiencing. This should include a list and description of the data sets
involved, a description of the operation you are trying to accomplish, and a step by step description of what you have
tried so far (with the specific values you entered into the module’s dialog box). You should also include the exact text of
any error messages you receive.

Idrisi32 Release 2 Licensing Options

Below are the various licensing options that are available from the Clark Labs for both Idrisi32 Release 2 and CartaLinx.
Please contact our Customer Support staff if there are any changes to your license arrangement.

Single User License

Status documentation is required for all discounted categories. An Idrisi32 Release 2 software license includes the soft-
ware on CD-ROM with an extensive on-line Help System. The license also comes complete with pdf documentation.

Licenses for Students

Idrisi32 Release 2 Full-Time Student License
Proof of current student status is required. No functional limitations. The license includes one CD-ROM and complete
pdf documentation.

Idrisi32 Release 2 Student Starter

Proof of current student status is required. No functional limitations. The Student Starter is a “timed out” version, expir-
ing one year from installation. The Student Starter license includes one CD-ROM and complete pdf documentation. Pur-
chasers of the Student Starter are not eligible for technical assistance or version upgrades. The cost of the Student Starter,
however, may be applied to the purchase of a full version at any time.

Lab Kits and Institutional Licenses

There are three options for multi-seat licenses for Idrisi32 Release 2. These are available to accredited educational institu-
tions only. Lab Kit options are for student use only. The Institutional License is geared to both students and faculty.
Users outside academia who are interested in multi-seat licensing should contact Clark Labs Customer Support.
In all cases, a multi-seat license is restricted to use on a single campus. However, the seats may be located anywhere on the cam-
pus site designated on the license agreement. All three options include one CD-ROM and complete pdf documentation.

Idrisi32 Release 2 Student Lab Kit

The Student Lab Kit is intended for student use only and can be installed anywhere on the campus site designated on the

IDRISI Reference Guide 7

Student Lab Kit agreement. This license allows the institution to install Idrisi32 Release 2 on up to 15 computers.

Idrisi32 Release 2 Lab Kit Extensions

Additional single-seat extensions are available for the Student Lab Kit. Extensions do not include documentation or soft-
ware media. A maximum of 15 single seat extensions may be purchased.

Idrisi32 Release 2 Unlimited Student Lab Kit

The Idrisi32 Release 2 Unlimited Student Lab Kit is intended for student use only and can be installed on any number of
computers anywhere on the campus site designated on the Unlimited Student Lab Kit agreement.

Idrisi32 Release 2 Institutional Site License

The Idrisi32 Release 2 Institutional Site License is for both student and faculty use and can be installed on an unlimited
number of computers anywhere on the campus site designated on the Institutional Site License agreement.

K-12 License
In recognition of both the rapidly increasing interest in GIS and the financial limitations of many elementary/secondary
institutions, the K-12 License provides the Idrisi32 Release 2 software to elementary and secondary schools at a special
discounted rate. The purpose of this special program is to enable younger students to explore geographic technology that
might otherwise not be available to them.
The K-12 License can be installed on up to five machines in a single classroom. The Idrisi32 Release 2 K-12 License
includes one CD-ROM and complete pdf documentation. Institutions eligible for this license must educate students up to
18 years of age. Proof of secondary school status is required.

CartaLinx 1.2
CartaLinx 1.2 is a companion software to Idrisi32 and sold separately. It is a Spatial Data Builder with full topological vec-
tor data structure for map digitizing and editing - 32 bit Spatial Database Development for IDRISI, ArcView, Arc/Info
and MapInfo users.
Support for over 300 Digitizers using the Virtual Tablet Interface (VTI)
Full Geodetic Projection and Datum Transformation
Supports 24-bit Image Backdrops
Relational Database Engine with SQL
CoGo Bearing and Distance Input
Real-time GPS Interface

CartaLinx Licensing Options

CartaLinx Single User License
Includes one CartaLinx manual, one CD-ROM and one Virtual Tablet Interface (VTI) driver set.

IDRISI Reference Guide 8

CartaLinx Lab Kit
Each CartaLinx Lab Kit comes with two CartaLinx manuals and one CD-ROM. Virtual Tablet Interface (VTI) driver sets
must be purchased separately. Lab Kit Licensees may purchase additional manuals and VTI drivers up to the number of
CartaLinx seats purchased in the Lab Kit.

CartaLinx K-12 License

The K-12 License can be installed on up to five machines in a single classroom. The CartaLinx K-12 License includes one
CartaLinx manual and one CD-ROM. Virtual Tablet Interface (VTI) driver sets must be purchased separately. Institu-
tions eligible for this license must educate students up to 18 years of age. Proof of secondary school status is required.

VTI Package
The VTI driver set provides communication between a digitizing tablet (over 300 models are supported) and CartaLinx.
CartaLinx requires the VTI driver only during tablet digitizing. The VTI driver can only be installed on one computer at a
time. Lab Kit Licensees must purchase VTI drivers separately, up to the number of CartaLinx seats purchased in the Lab
Kit.

CartaLinx Manual
Authorized for purchase only by CartaLinx Lab Kit owners up to the number of seats owned.

UNITAR Workbook Series

UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research), in association with UNEP/GRID (United Nations Envi-
ronment Programme/Global Resource Information Database), first released this series of workbooks to provide hands-
on teaching materials for courses conducted by UNITAR in its Environmental Training Programme in Geographic Infor-
mation Systems. They also provided a focus for research on issues of substantive concern to UNEP/GRID in the appli-
cation of GIS to digital data sets in environmental management. However, because of their self-explanatory nature, they
are useful in a variety of educational and training settings, including university curricula and continuing professional edu-
cation.
This series will be of interest to a wide audience, including resource managers, researchers in each workbook’s application
area, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about GIS. This workbook series is developed and distributed by
the Clark Labs through a memorandum of understanding with UNITAR.
Each workbook includes two sections:
A review paper that explores the use of GIS analytical techniques in the defined field of study, complete with
extensive bibliography.

A set of exercises that allow the user to apply these techniques to geographically diverse case study problems
using real digital data sets and the IDRISI software (IDRISI is sold separately).

Workbooks available in Idrisi32 format are CD only.

Volume 1: Change and Time Series Analysis, 2nd Edition

by J. Ronald Eastman, Jean McKendry, and Michele Fulk; review paper by J. Ronald Eastman
This workbook covers the issues and problems involved in examining remotely-sensed sequential images and illustrates
analytical techniques for the differentiation of meaningful change versus normal variation within the images, and charac-

IDRISI Reference Guide 9

terizing and quantifying change events.
Case Study Exercises Include:
Pairwise Comparison: Quantitative -- simple differencing, thresholding, image regression, image ratioing
Pairwise Comparisons: Qualitative Data -- cross-tabulation, using the Kappa Index of Agreement
Multiple Comparisons: Quantitative Data -- principal components analysis, time sequencing, time profiling
Change Vector Analysis -- spatial registration, change vector extraction

Volume 2: Applications in Forestry

by Jean McKendry, J. Ronald Eastman, Kevin St. Martin, and Michele Fulk; review papers by Jean McKendry and J.
Ronald Eastman
This workbook explores the role of GIS in forest management and resource assessment. The purpose is to provide for-
esters and other natural resource managers who have already had an introductory level course in GIS with the means to
gain a strong appreciation for the application of GIS to forestry concerns.
Case Study Exercises Include:
General forest management and GIS: locating optimal harvest areas
Habitat analysis in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia, Canada
Mapping suitable locations for reforestation: eucalyptus in Africa
Gypsy moth defoliation of forests in northeastern North America
Forest management: getting the trees to the mill
Analyzing deforestation and soil loss in northern Thailand
Monitoring land use in Rondonia, Brazil using AVHRR and TM imagery

Volume 3: Applications in Coastal Zone Research and Management

edited by Kevin St. Martin; review paper by Darius Bartlett
This workbook explores the role GIS may play in coastal zone research and management. Growing pressures due to
development and pollution have made environmental assessment and management a new priority in coastal zone
research. GIS is a powerful addition to the tools used to address these issues.
Case Study Exercises Include:
Shrimp habitat inventory, Florida, USA
Aquaculture suitability analysis, Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica
Eelgrass mapping from low-altitude aerial video imagery, Massachusetts, USA
Modeling sea level rise and the effects of database error, Rhode Island, USA
Bathymetric modeling from satellite imagery, Dominican Republic
Change analysis using satellite imagery, Dominican Republic
Quantifying beach sand erosion and deposition, Adelaide, Australia

IDRISI Reference Guide 10

 Viewshed analysis, Spain

Volume 4: GIS and Decision Making

Undergoing substantial revision, currently not available.

Volume 5: GIS and Mountain Environments

edited by Kristin Schneider and Paul Robbins; review paper by Ian Heywood, James Petch, and Martin Price
This workbook explores the unique considerations that mountain characteristics pose to a GIS user in any field who
works within a mountain environment. This volume deals with issues of representation and interpretation of a 3-dimen-
sional space in two dimensions and the impact of such representations on the data derived from such. Ultimately, the
impact of mountain characteristics on planning is raised.
Case Study Exercises Include:
Modeling mountain characteristics in raster and vector and interpreting information derived from each model
Querying land use, elevation and aspect relationships, Dhulikel Watershed, Nepal
Classification of satellite imagery, Bennington, Vermont, USA, and Dhading District, Nepal
Cost-distance modeling of access to health care, Dhading District, Nepal
Modeling the impact of mountains on regional climates, Puna Atacama, Chile
Predicting the distribution of ecological units, Pyrenees, Spain

Volume 6: Applications in Hazard Assessment and Management

edited by Srinivas Emani; review paper by Srinivas Emani
This workbook explores the role of GIS in identifying, assessing, and managing both natural and technological hazards.
Case Study Exercises Include:
Mapping and assessing natural hazards, Ecuador
Assessing socioeconomic vulnerability to extreme storms and associated flooding, Revere, Massachusetts, USA
Assessing vulnerability of the Gulf Coast, USA, to erosion and inundation
Risk modeling for hazardous materials transportation, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Nonpoint source pollution modeling, Timber Creek Watershed, Texas, USA
Using remote sensing to assess the Midwest flood of 1993, Missouri, USA
Time series analysis as an early warning tool for disaster mitigation, Africa

Availability
Volumes 1 and 2 are available in DOS, Windows Version 1.0 and 2.0 and Idrisi32 format. Volumes 3, 5 and 6 are available
in both DOS and Windows Version 1.0 and 2.0. Volume 4 is available for DOS Version 4.1 and Windows Version 1.0.
All workbooks are under revision for Idrisi32. Check our web site for availability.

IDRISI Reference Guide 11

Global Change Data Archive CDROMs
The following Global Change data sets are available from the Clark Labs. Visit our web site for complete details and
ordering information.

Volume 1: Africa Monthly Vegetation Index (NDVI) 1982-1999

The Africa NDVI data CD contains monthly NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) maximum value compos-
ite images (1982-1999), average and standard deviation of monthly NDVI images for each month over the same time
period, monthly NDVI anomaly images, and ancillary data (DEM, land use and land cover, country boundaries and coast
line) for Africa in IDRISI format (Idrisi32 and Idrisi for Windows). All files are provided in the Clark Labs Hammer-Ait-
off reference system (for which a .ref file has been included).

Volume 2: Monthly Global Sea Surface Temperature 1982-1999

The Global SST data CD contains monthly-averaged Optimum Interpolation (OI) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) images
(1982-1999), average and standard deviation images of monthly OI SST for each month over the same time period, and
monthly OI SST anomaly images for all ocean areas in IDRISI format (Idrisi32 and Idrisi for Windows).

Volume 3: 1 Km Global Elevation Model

The Global DEM data CD contains the GTOPO30 global coverage digital elevation model (DEM) in IDRISI format
(Idrisi32 and Idrisi for Windows) at 30-arc second resolution.

GIS Training
The Clark Labs hosts several training sessions a year at Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, on the Funda-
mentals of GIS and Image Processing.

Upcoming Sessions
The 5-day Fundamentals sessions are typically held three times per year at Clark University in May, August and January.
Check the Clark Labs web site for upcoming dates and fees. On-site training sessions may be scheduled for your conve-
nience.

Course Structure for Fundamentals of GIS and Image Processing Training

About 20% of the course is lecture, covering theory and basic concepts, while 80% of the training is devoted to hands-on
computer labs. Techniques are taught through a process-oriented, problem solving approach. Participants will use IDRISI
in the labs to solve problems commonly addressed with GIS. A brief introduction to CartaLinx is also included. While
instructors lead most of the labs, independent lab time is scheduled throughout the week for participants to work through
a practical case study on their own. This gives participants the opportunity to apply the concepts and techniques they
learned earlier in the day.
Note: Enrollment is limited to 12 persons and is granted on a first come, first-served basis.

Course Content
Fundamentals of Raster and Vector GIS
Representation and Manipulation of Spatial Data

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Raster Data Structures and Analysis
Database Query Tools
Map Algebra
Distance and Context Operators
Vector Data Structures and Analysis
Database Development
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Image Restoration and Transformation
Image Enhancement
Image Classification
Land Cover Mapping, Accuracy Assessment
Multi-Criteria Suitability Mapping
Introduction to Multi-Objective Decision Making

Lodging and Transportation

Clark University is located near downtown Worcester, the second largest city in New England. Hotels, restaurants and
taxis are readily available. Names and prices of nearby hotels, as well as detailed information about transportation to
Worcester, will be sent to you upon registration. A limited number of rooms are available in the Clark University guest
house. Contact the training coordinator for more information.

Acknowledgments
This product is the result of a cooperative effort by a team of caring professionals. The software and documentation were
conceived and designed by Ron Eastman. The programming team consisted of Ron Eastman, Tammy Woodard, Diane
Denner, Kristin Schneider, Honglei Zhu, Stefano Crema, Ivan Lucena, Laurie Canavan, Guoyi Han, Hao Chen, Nathan
Kappel, and James Toledano. The documentation team consisted of Ron Eastman, Michele Fulk, Laurie Canavan, and
Kelly O’Connor. The help system was maintained by Michele Fulk. Graphic design was undertaken by Anne Gibson.
Development of new tutorial exercises and conversion of existing exercises were undertaken by Ron Eastman, Michele
Fulk and James Toledano. In-house testing was coordinated by James Toledano with substantial contributions from
Kiran Batchu, Stefano Crema, Aaron Dushku, Stephan Geissler, Ying Li, Chunling Liu, Luis Ciro Marcano, Amy Nelson,
Nicholas Pieri, Gil Pontius, Sam Ratick, Samuel Stratton, Beth Suedmeyer, and Takashi Tada.
Clark Labs also wishes to acknowledge the following organizations for their support during the early years:
United Nations Environment Programme Global Resource Information Database (UNEP/GRID)
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Today, Clark Labs is self-supporting. However, these and other organizations worldwide provide support and informa-
tion toward the development of accessible geographic analysis tools.

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Dedication
This release of IDRISI is dedicated to the memory of Peter Shaw Thacher - environmental scientist and advocate of equi-
table development. Peter made enormous strides in the democratization of environmental information and the applica-
tion of GIS and Remote Sensing to the analysis of environmental concerns, most notably through his stewardship role in
the creation of the GRID (Global Resource Information Database) system within the United Nations Environment Pro-
gramme (UNEP). In 1983, he retired as the Deputy Executive Officer of UNEP in Nairobi, and went on to serve as a
senior-level advisor to many organizations, including NASA, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International
Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and
the American Society for International Law. Peter was also a distinguished fellow of the World Resources Institute in
Washington and a distinguished scientist at the George Perkins Marsh Institute at Clark University.
Through the entire history of the IDRISI Project and Clark Labs, Peter Thacher served as an informal advisor and as a
source of inspiration. He was also instrumental in introducing us to the many dedicated and talented scientists and admin-
istrators in the UNEP and UNITAR organizations. Unfortunately, he succumbed quite suddenly to cancer on April 3,
1999. Peter, you will be deeply missed, but the environment will never forget you.

The Clark Labs Staff

As of May, 2001, the Clark Labs Staff included:
Kiran Batchu (India), Tester
Laurie Canavan (USA), Assistant Director for Operations
Hao Chen (China), Research Assistant
Stefano Crema (Brazil), Research Associate
Deanna Darling (USA), Customer Service Assistant
Deepesh Deshmukh (India), MIS Manager
Aaron Dushku (USA), Tester
Ron Eastman (Canada), Director / Programmer
Dorothy Fennell (USA), Student Assistant
Michele Fulk (USA), Assistant Director for Programs
Stephan Geissler (Spain), Tester
Anne Gibson (USA), Cartographic Lab Manager
Davison Gumbo (Zimbabwe), Research Assistant
Guoyi Han (China), Research Assistant
Nathan Kappel (USA), Research Assistant
Ying Li (China), Research Assistant
Chunling Liu (China), Research Assistant
Arianna Lomas Gomez (Spain), Student Assistant

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Ivan Lucena (Brazil), Research Associate
Luis Ciro Marcano (Venezuela), Tester
Kristen Mazeika (USA), Office Assistant
Christine Mitchell (USA), Research Assistant
Amy Nelson (USA), Tester
Kelly O’Connor (USA), Customer Service Manager
Nicholas Pieri (USA), Tester
Samuel Stratton (USA), Student Assistant
Beth Suedmeyer (USA), Tester
Takashi Tada (USA), Tester
James Toledano (USA), Executive Director
Gary Votour (USA), Technical Support Analyst
Tammy Woodard (USA), Systems Development Lab Manager / Programmer
Honglei Zhu (China), Senior Research Associate

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