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IDRISI TerrSet By Clark Laboratories

Last Updated: April 28, 2022

IDRISI TerrSet is primarily for remote sensing and image processing. With over 300 analysis tools, IDRISI TerrSet is as reliable as they come. But there’s also a big focus on modeling the Earth such as in land use and climate change. We have it ranked #23 in our list of GIS software. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of IDRISI TerrSet.

Ranked #23 from 30 GIS Software

IDRISI

Mapping

Analysis

Editing

Data Support

Our Score

3.1 stars

Pros/Cons of IDRISI TerrSet

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using IDRISI TerrSet compared to other GIS software applications.

PROS
  • Monitoring and modeling the Earth system
  • OBIA classification and land change modeling
  • 2D and 3D visualization with time series
  • 300+ analytical tools with a focus on raster-based tools
CONS
  • Low documentation and support for help topics
  • Inactive community and forum
  • Poor cartography options and map layout support
  • Limited scope and functionality of software

Advantages

Modules

There’s been a major shift in IDRISI to modeling land patterns and systems on Earth. For example, IDRISI TerrSet has several modules for this purpose:

  • Land change modeler
  • Habitat and biodiversity modeler
  • Earth trends modeler
  • Climate change modeler
  • Ecosystems modeler

Raster Processing

If you want to analyze raster data, TerrSet is a low-cost option. For example, it has modules for image processing and classification.

Unlike most other GIS software, you can segment images and use OBIA classification.

Visualization

Raster visualization shines in IDRISI TerrSet. It’s not only in 2D. But you can render 3D visualization.

If you want to see how things change in time, there are time series animations as well.

Disadvantages

User Community

The documentation is on the slim-side for TerrSet. There is an official IDRISI community forum.

But activity is low or inactive. If you want to share your problems with other users, you’ll be hard-pressed to get any clear answers.

Vector Tools

Because TerrSet is mostly for raster data, it’s sparse in traditional vector operations. In fact, most tools are aimed at raster analysis.

For example, tools are for cost distance, surface analysis, and spatial statistics.

Cartography

If you want to build a professional map product, it lacks support for advanced map layouts.

There is also minimal choice in symbology and labeling options.

Summary: IDRISI TerrSet by Clark Laboratories

IDRISI

Since 1987, IDRISI has delivered remote sensing and image processing as an inexpensive option for analysis.

Universities around the world structure their courses around it.

And with good reason. Especially, if you want to model advanced systems on Earth.

It has vector operations. But it lacks in variety. Not only this, cartography choices are at a bare minimum.

We highly suggest it for raster modeling. But as full-fledged GIS software, you should look elsewhere.

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