database interface to GRASS

[James A. Farley]

The University of Arkansas, CAST in conjunction with the SCS and CERL
have developed a series of 14 database interface tools. These tools can
be used to integrate attribute data in a relational database with
spatial data in the GRASS GIS. The dbtools support point, vector and
raster spatial queries which return associated attribute data from the
relational database and a series of attribute based queries which can be
used to selectively display or reclass point, vector and raster data.

The current version of these tools has been constructed for use with the
informix database (SE engine and SQL). Although the interface design for 
these tools has attempted to be as "database independant as possible
some modification to the source code will be needed to adapt the code to
other SQL based database systems. 

The dbtools are currently being evaluated by OGI and are available to a
predetermined group of beta test sites who have agreed to conduct
extensive testing. It is my understanding that OGI will place the
dbtools on FTP (moon), when they have had an opportunity to review the
code.

Pending OGI review and certification of the code the dbtools may be
included in the comming (4.1) release of the GRASS software. The final
determination for this will of course be made by OGI. 

If there are specific questions regarding the capabilities of these
interface tools I will be happy to try and address them.


                          
James A. Farley 	Technical Director, CAST/NCRI-SW
			12 Ozark Hall, Univ. of Arkansas
jim at moray.uark.edu	Fayetteville, AR  72701
Voice: (501) 575-6159	FAX  : (501) 575-3846