Map Analysis Package Calculator (MapCalc)

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MapCalc is a comprehensive set of grid-based tools for advanced analysis and display of spatial information. The system has several basic forms—

üstand-alone Windows/NT/2000 version üintegrated modules for leading desktop GIS systems üvariety of application programs such as SoilRx for precision farming üa library of ActiveX controls and development environment for development partners

Import/export modules enable exchange of data with most vector/raster GIS data formats, databases and spreadsheets. Image registration, on-screen digitizing and GPS link provide for direct encoding of map. Display capabilities include 2-D grid and contour maps, 3-D surfaces with draped variables, vector overlay and a variety of summary reports, tables and charts. Integrated modules seamlessly link MapCalc’s advanced map analysis capabilities with the thematic mapping and geo-query tools of desktop mapping systems such as MapInfo and ArcView.

An intuitive graphical user interface provides direct access to individual operations through familiar dialog boxes with Window standard pull-down lists, command buttons, slider bars, text boxes and icons. A powerful macro builder enables users to easily generate, edit and reuse command sequences as GIS models. As commands are specified through the dialog box, a macro language automatically creates grammatically correct English sentences that are linked to a flowchart of the processing steps. Users simply interact with the flowchart to interpret and modify criteria for alternative conditions and scenarios.

The powerful modeling capabilities of MapCalc are divided into two broad classes—spatial statistics and spatial analysis. Spatial Statistics tools investigate statistical patterns and relationships among maps. They include…

üDescriptive Statistics üNormality Tests üPoint Density Maps üGeographic Trend Analysis üSpatial Interpolation üSpatial Autocorrelation üScatter plots and variograms üResidual Analysis üError Mapping üCoincidence Statistics üChange Surfaces üComparison Tests üSpatial Correlation and Dependency üMultivariate Regression üClustering üMap Similarity

Spatial Analysis tools derive new maps based on spatial context, patterns, surface configuration, proximity, connectivity and flows. They include…

üGeographic Search üWeighted Proximity Analysis üSlope and Aspect üVisual Exposure üOptimal Path üLocal, Regional & Map-Wide Overlay üNearby Neighbor Summary üEdge, Shape and Pattern Characterization üNarrowness üLogical, Ranking, Rating and Mathematical Combination üConfluence Surfaces üProbability and Propensity Analysis üTravel-Time Surfaces üCompetition Analysis

MapCalc by Red Hen Systems, Inc.

…advanced grid-based map analysis in PC environments

Educational, Professional and Developer versions of the software are under development at Red Hen Systems (http://www.redhensystems.com/). The Professional Version is a complete stand-alone system for commercial use that contains an extensive set of grid map management, analysis and display. The Developer Version contains a library of the MapCalc ActiveX/COM objects and a development harness for integrating MapCalc capabilities into other software packages. The Professional and Developer versions will be available in early 2001.

An Educational Version is available in both student and instructor forms…

Student Tutorial Version (CD) with MapCalc and Surfer* Tutorial systems, Exercises/databases, application demos and text; 100x100 configuration; single seat license for educational use only; US$21.95 plus shipping.

Instructor Version (CD) with all of the above plus lecture PowerPoint’s, additional exercises, one-day workshop and full introductory course materials; multiple seat license for single computer lab; educational use only; US$495.00 plus shipping.

*Surfer is a popular surface-modeling package by Golden Software, Inc. It is bundled with the educational versions of MapCalc and provides complementary exercises in spatial interpolation and graphical presentation of surface maps. For more information on Surfer, link to http://www.goldensoftware.com/frames/surferframe.htm

An evaluation copy of MapCalc is available for download at… http://www.redhensystems.com/