annala@neuro.usc.edu (A J Annala) (01/05/91)
Probably the most extraordinary image processing package made available in
source code form to academic users is the IRAF (Image Reduction and Analysis
Facility) from the NOAO (National Optical Astronomy Observatory). NOAO IRAF
is presently limited to running on SUN and VAX platforms. However, the code
is designed to be readily ported to other architectures. This system was
designed by astronomers to support analysis of optical data from telescopes.
However, it is finding increasing use within our laboratory for processing
everything from CAT & MRI data through high magnification light and electron
microscope images. While the user interface is command line driven (there
are very limited pull down menus) it is well documented and easy to learn.
This system contains all of the usual image display, convolution filters,
etc -- but it also provides (as a free add on package) 3D volumetric (voxel)
models of multidimensional data. The support provided for this package by
NOAO is nothing short of phenomenal. The reliability equals or exceeds the
reliability of virtually all commercial packages. I cannot recommend this
system for general purpose image processing on sun and vax platforms highly
enough. If I lost every other software tool available to me today I would
want to retain access to NOAO IRAF.
Alexander-James Annala
Neural, Informational & Behavioral Sciences Program
HEDCO Neuroscience Building, Room 534
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520
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The following is reprinted from the NOAO IRAF distribution liuterature:
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IRAF ORDER FORM
The IRAF software and documentation is available at no charge via the IRAF
network archive (anonymous ftp from tucana.tuc.noao.edu = 192.31.165.1).
Use this order form only if you want a mailed distribution or printed
documentation. The fee for a mailed distribution covers only the costs of
materials and handling; hardship cases may request a waiver of the fee.
_____________________________________________________________________________
System Distribution Media[1][2] Host OS Version Charge
6250 1600 C150 C60 TK50 EXB
$20 $30 $33 $33 $41 $17
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DECstation ____|____|____|____|____|____ _________________ ______
DG/AOSVS ____|____|____|____|____|____ _________________ ______
Sun 386i ____|____|____|____|____|____ _________________ ______
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[1] The charge shown includes labor and release documentation.
[2] Media: 6250,1600 = 9tk tape, C150(C60) = 150(60) Mb cartridge
tape, TK50 = DEC cartridge tape, EXB = Exabyte tape (Sun only)
(*) Limited support - check on availability
IRAF Manuals ($20 each)
Please order what you need, but no more. Charge
Vol 1A, IRAF User Handbook (general information) [recommended] ______
Vol 2B, IRAF User Handbook (user's guides and cookbooks) [recommended] ______
Vols 3A&3B, Technical documentation ($40/set) [programmers only] ______
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