GORENTZ@msukbs.bitnet (06/20/89)
The digitizing you describe is a subset of what is done by the input modules of GIS (Geographic Information System) software. My impression is that it is non-trivial, although some of the better GIS products have the added complication of being able to deal with base maps that have some error associated with the reference points, and use "rubber-sheeting" techniques to straighten out distortions. We are in the process of purchasing ARC/INFO from ESRI, which I believe is one of the "better" GIS products for this sort of thing. This stuff is not cheap. The most expensive software purchase the Michigan State University computer lab ever made was for ARC/INFO on a VAX 8650. It's a lot less for workstations or PCs, but it's still a 4-digit price. John Gorentz Kellogg Biological Station Michigan State University Bitnet: Gorentz@MSUKBS