[GRASS-user] Using GRASS for non-geographical spatial data

[Carl Trapani]

Hello GRASS users,

I am wondering if there is anyone out there using GRASS with 
non-geographical, spatial data? Specifically, the integration and 
rectification of raster and vector data which is NOT geographically 
referenced.

We are trying to build a 3D visualization application of gene expression 
data from the mouse cerebellum, from embryo through day 12 after birth. 
The gene expression data are spots from cross sectioned tissues, or 
"raster data" with no geographical reference/projection. These raster 
sections must be aligned (registered) with each other and then 
transformed (scaled, rotated, translated -- in GIS speak: rectified?) to 
fit into a 3D model (vector) containing surface meshes marking 
anatomical features of the cerebellum (exterior surface, cell layers, 
etc...).

Although I don't know much about the details of GIS or GRASS, it seems 
to me that GIS (and GRASS by extension) has handled this mix and match 
and rectification of raster and vector representations very well, but 
this functionality is based on defined and translatable geological 
projections and coordinate systems. Will the functionality work when the 
reference coordinate system is generic or home spun?

Are we swimming up stream if we try and stuff this data into GRASS or 
could it work? Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

(ASIDE: Isn't this always what happens in software? You build someone a 
shoe, a good shoe, for walking on land. Then, someone comes along and 
asks "Hey, I could walk on water with that shoe, couldn't I?" ;-)

Thanks,
Carl Trapani
Skytop Software