 Table of Contents

Getting Started

For a brief introduction, choose this option.

Configuration Panel

Choose this option for information on the Configuration panel.

File Menu

Choose this option for information on the options contained in the File menu.

Handler Control

Choose this option for information on the Handler Control panel.

Handler Window

Choose this option for information on the Handler Window.

File Formats

Choose this option for a list of supported image file formats.

PCI Software

Choose this option for information on PCI Software.


PCI Software

For more information about GIS and image analysis software from PCI:

In Canada and International, call:

PCI Enterprises

50 West Wilmot Street, Unit 200E

Richmond Hill, Ontario

Canada  L4B 1M5

Tel: (905) 764-0614

Fax: (905) 764-9604

In United States, call:

PCI Remote Sensing Corp.

1925 N. Lynn Street, Suite 803

Arlington, VA  22209, U.S.A.

Tel: (703) 243-3700

Fax: (703) 243-3705

or EMail to: sales@pci.on.ca


File Formats

The Load Imagery command in the File Menu can load image data from the following file formats:

- DIPIX Aries image format

- ERDAS version 7.4 image format (8-bit or 16-bit signed)

- GRASS cell raster format

- Intergraph raster format (continuous tone and compressed RGB)

- LSGOWG CD-ROM files

- Microstation DGN files: compressed, binary and byte formats

- PCIDSK (PCI's standard file format)

- Sun Raster files (pseudocolour, greyscale and RGB)

- TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), several types

- UNIDSK-VMS from CCRS

- USGS DEM 7.5 minute ASCII format (16-bit signed)

- USGS DOQ (Digital Orthophoto Quadrangle)

- X Window Dump (XWD) files (created by xwd on Unix)

The Load Imagery command cannot load Windows bitmap (BMP) format files. The Save command in the File Menu creates a Windows BMP file which can be read by other Windows applications.


Configuration Panel
Handler Configuration

The Handler Configuration panel is used to specify the data and window dimensions, number of image planes, and number of graphic planes for the Handler Window. Alternatively, configuration parameters can be set by selecting an image file using the File button. The Configuration Panel opens when starting the Handler only if a PCI parameter file (PRM.PRM) is not in the working directory.

File Information

The File Information area shows the file name, number of pixels, number of lines, and number of image channels for the currently selected image file.  If a file has not been selected, this area is empty.

File Button

Choose this option to select an image file to load.  This option sets the data size and number of image planes based on the image file selected.

Handler Dimensions

The Handler Window dimensions consist of the following six numbers:

- Number of pixels per line for total Data Size

- Number of lines per image/graphic plane for total Data Size

- Number of pixels per line for viewable Window Size

- Number of lines per image/graphic plane for viewable Window Size

- Number of 8-bit image planes (1 to 6)

- Number of 1-bit graphic planes (0, 8 or 16)

Data Size

Specify the total width and height of the image and graphic plane data by entering the number of Pixels and number of Lines respectively.  The Data Size can be larger than the viewable Window Size (see below).  The maximum Data Size is limited only by the amount of memory available. The default Data Size is 512 pixels by 512 lines.

Window Size

Specify the width and height of the Handler Window by entering the number of Pixels and number of Lines respectively.  The Window Size must be equal to or smaller than the Data Size.  The maximum Window Size is limited by the size of your video display card. The default Window Size is 512 pixels by 512 lines.

Display Planes

Select the number of 8-bit image planes and the number of 1-bit graphic planes for the Handler Window.  1 to 6 image planes, and 0, 8 or 16 graphic planes can be selected.  Each image plane stores an 8-bit unsigned integer value (between 0 and 255) at each pixel location.  Each graphic plane stores a 1-bit value (0 or 1) at each pixel location.  The default configuration is 3 image planes and 8 graphic planes.

Memory Required

The amount of memory (megabytes) required for the current configuration is shown.  Reduce the Data Size or number of image and graphic planes if this number exceeds the amount of memory available on your computer.

Accept Button

Choose this button when all configuration parameters have been set. If a file was selected using the File button, then the Load Imagery dialog opens next.  Otherwise a file selection dialog appears.

Exit Button

Choose this button to close the Configuration panel and exit the Handler.

Help Button

Choose this button for help on the Configuration panel.


Getting Started

The Handler is an interactive tool for displaying, viewing, and enhancing remotely sensed imagery such as Landsat TM, SPOT, ERS-1, NOAA AVHRR, and scanned aerial photography. It supports loading image data from PCIDSK, TIFF and many other image File Formats. The Handler has two windows: the Handler Window (for image display) and the Handler Control panel.  When the Handler starts, the Handler Window is empty (black). The Handler Control panel usually appears on top of the Handler Window, and should be moved to one side.

Loading Data

Files are loaded by choosing the appropriate load option from the File menu of the Handler Control panel.  For example, to load an image, choose Load Imagery from the File menu.

Exiting the Handler

To exit the Handler, choose Exit from the File menu or double-click the Control-menu box in the top left corner of either the Handler Window or Control panel.


File Menu Selections

The File menu presents the following choices:

Load Imagery

Choose this option to learn more about loading 8-bit, 16-bit and 32-bit imagery.

Load Graphics

Choose this option to learn more about loading 1-bit graphic overlays.

Load Lut

Choose this option to learn more about loading look-up tables for 8-bit imagery.

Load PCT

Choose this option to learn more about loading a pseudo-colour table for an 8-bit image.

Save

Choose this option to save the displayed image (including graphics) on a Windows bitmap (BMP) file.


Load Imagery

The Load Imagery menu option loads 8-bit unsigned integer, 16-bit signed or unsigned integer, and 32-bit real (floating point) image data from a selected PCIDSK, TIFF, or other supported image File Formats to 8-bit image planes on the Handler Window.  If a file has not been selected yet, a file selection dialog box appears. When a file has been selected, the Load Imagery dialog box opens, displaying a list of image channels to select for each image plane.

Note:  16-bit and 32-bit data values are linearly scaled to 8-bit unsigned integer values between 0 and 255 before being loaded, based on the minimum and maximum pixel values on each database channel.

Database Channels

The Database Channels area shows a scrolled list of image channels on the currently selected database file.  When a database channel is selected using the mouse, its channel number is assigned to the next empty image plane box (see below).

Image Planes

The Image Planes area shows the currently selected database channel number for each image plane.  Channel numbers can be entered from the keyboard instead of selecting from Database Channels list. Click inside the appropriate image plane box and type the channel number.  Use the Enter or Tab key to move forward to the next Image Plane box and use the Shift-Tab keys to move backward.

Clear Button

The Clear button clears channel numbers assigned to each image plane. Use the Clear button to erase your choices and start over.

Default Button

The Default button sequentially assigns image channels listed in the Database Channel list (channels 1, 2, 3, etc.) to each image plane.

Database Window Selection

Enter four integer values to select the database window to be loaded: pixel offset, line offset, number of pixels, and number of lines. Offsets start at the upper left corner of the image.

Overview Button

The Overview button sets the Database Window to the whole database image. This is the default setting.

Load & Close and Load Buttons

Both the Load & Close and Load buttons become selectable after a database channel has been selected for at least one image plane. The Load & Close button closes the Load Imagery dialog, then loads the selected imagery to the Handler Window.  The Load button loads the selected imagery, but does not close the Load Imagery dialog box. If the image looks dark, it can be enhanced using the Handler Control panel.

Close Button

The Close button closes (exits) the Load Imagery dialog box.

New File Button

The New File button opens a file selection dialog box, so that a different database file can be selected.

Help Button

The Help button displays help for this panel.


Load Graphics

The Load Graphics panel loads graphic data from a selected PCIDSK file to 1-bit graphic planes on the Handler Window. If a file has not been selected yet, a file selection dialog box appears. When a database file has been selected, the Load Graphics dialog box opens, showing a list of bitmap segments to select for each graphic plane.

Database Bitmap Segments

The Database Bitmap Segments area shows a scrolled list of bitmap segments on the currently selected database file.  When a bitmap segment is selected using the mouse, its segment number is assigned to the next empty graphic plane box (see below).

Graphic Planes

The Graphic Planes area shows the currently selected database segment number for each graphic plane.  Bitmap segment numbers can be entered from the keyboard, instead of using the Database Bitmap Segments list. Click inside the appropriate graphic plane box and type the segment number.  Use the Enter or Tab key to move forward to the next Graphic Plane box and use the Shift-Tab keys to move backward.

Clear Button

The Clear button erases all segment numbers assigned to each graphic plane.  Use the Clear button to erase your choices and start over.

Default Button

The Default button sequentially assigns bitmap segments listed in the Database Bitmap Segments list to each graphic plane.

Database Window Selection

Enter four integer values to select the database window to be loaded: pixel offset, line offset, number of pixels, and number of lines. Offsets start at the upper left corner of the image.

Overview Button

The Overview button sets the Database Window to the whole database image. This is the default setting.

Load & Close and Load Buttons

Both the Load & Close and Load buttons become selectable after a bitmap segment has been selected for at least one graphic plane. The Load & Close button closes the Load Graphics dialog, then loads the selected bitmaps to the Handler Window.  The Load button loads the selected bitmaps, but does not close the Load Graphics dialog box.

Close Button

The Close button closes (exits) the Load Graphics dialog box.

New Button

The New File button opens a file selection dialog box, so that a different database file can be selected.

Help Button

The Help button displays help for this panel.


Load LUT

The Load LUT panel loads image look-up tables from a selected PCIDSK file to image planes on the Handler Window.   If a file has not been selected yet, a file selection dialog box appears.  When a database file has been selected, the Load LUT dialog box opens, showing a list of LUT segments to select for each image plane.

A look-up table (LUT) is a 256-value numerical table (one entry for each value between 0 and 255) which enhances an 8-bit image without actually modifying the data. There is one LUT for each image plane.

Database LUT Segments

The Database LUT Segments area shows a scrolled list of LUT segments on the currently selected database file.  When a LUT segment is selected using the mouse, its segment number is assigned to the next empty image plane box (see below).

Image Planes

The Image Planes area shows the currently selected database LUT segment number for each image plane.  LUT segment numbers can be entered from the keyboard, instead of using the Database LUT Segments list. Click inside the appropriate graphic plane box and type the segment number.  Use the Enter or Tab key to move forward to the next Image Plane box and use the Shift-Tab keys to move backward.

Clear Button

The Clear button erases all LUT segment numbers assigned to each image plane.  Use the Clear button to erase your choices and start over.

Default Button

The Default button sequentially assigns LUT segments listed in the Database LUT Segments list to each image plane.

Load & Close and Load Buttons

The Load & Close and Load buttons become selectable after a database LUT segment has been selected for at least one image plane. The Load & Close button closes the Load LUT dialog, then loads the selected LUT's to the Handler Window.  The Load button loads the selected LUT's, but does not close the Load LUT dialog box.

Close Button

The Close button closes (exits) the Load LUT dialog box.

New Button

The New File button opens the file selection dialog box, so that a different database file can be selected.

Help Button

The Help button displays help for this panel.


Load PCT

The Load PCT panel loads an image pseudo-colour table from a selected PCIDSK file to the Handler Window.   If a file has not been selected yet, a file selection dialog box appears.  When a database file has been selected, the Load PCT dialog box opens, showing a list of PCT segments to select for each image plane.

A pseudo-colour table (PCT) consists of three 256-value numerical tables which transform a specified black-and-white image plane to an RGB (red-green-blue) colour image without actually modifying the data. There is only one PCT for the Handler Window.

Database PCT Segments

The Database PCT Segments area shows a scrolled list of PCT segments on the currently selected database file.  Select one PCT segment from the list.

Load & Close and Load Buttons

The Load & Close and Load buttons become selectable after a database PCT segment has been selected. The Load & Close button closes the Load PCT dialog, then loads the selected PCT to the Handler Window.  The Load button loads the selected PCT, but does not close the Load PCT dialog box.

Close Button

The Close button closes (exits) the Load PCT dialog box.

New Button

The New File button opens the file selection dialog box, so that a different database file can be selected.

Help Button

The Help button displays help for this panel.


Save

The Save command saves the currently displayed image (including graphics) on the Handler Window to a Windows bitmap (BMP) file.  Bitmap files can be loaded and printed by Windows programs (such as Paintbrush).  The contents of the Handler Window are saved as-is (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) excluding window borders.


Handler Control Window
Handler Control Panel

The Handler Control panel shows the current state of imagery displayed on the Handler Window, and provides access to commonly required display control functions.  The Control panel contains the sections described below:

Cursor Section

This section displays the current crosshair cursor location and grey level values for each image plane.

Image Section

This section displays and controls which image plane is assigned to each colour gun (red, green and blue).

Graphics Section

This section displays and controls which graphic planes are currently enabled or disabled.

Enhancements Section

The section can apply quick enhancements to improve the appearance of imagery.

Zoom Section

This section changes the Zoom factors of the image.


Control Panel Cursor Section

The Cursor Section at the top of the Handler Control panel displays the current pixel and line position of the crosshair cursor on the Handler Window. The Cursor Section also displays the pixel values of each image plane at the current cursor position.

Pixel and Line Position

The current pixel and line position of the cursor in the Handler Window is displayed in boxes labelled Pixel and Line.  When the cursor is moved on the Handler Window using the mouse, these coordinate values are updated.   The cursor position can be moved to a specified Pixel and Line position by entering these values from the keyboard. Click inside the Pixel and Line boxes and enter the new cursor coordinates.

Pixel Value for Each Image Plane

The pixel (grey level) values for each image plane at the current cursor position are shown as two numbers separated by a colon for each image plane. The first number is the pixel value (a number between 0 and 255), and the second number is the image plane number (from 1 to 6).  The colour of the first number (the pixel value) shows the colour assigned to the image plane. If the colour is red, green or blue, then the image plane is assigned to the red, green or blue colour guns respectively.  If the colour is yellow, magenta or cyan, then the image plane is assigned to two colour guns which mix to the indicated colour.  If the colour is grey, then the image plane is assigned to all three colour guns (a black-and-white image is displayed). If the colour is black, then the image plane is not currently assigned to a colour gun (it is not showing on the display).


Control Panel Image Section

The Image Section in the Handler Control panel displays the current imagery configuration of the Handler Window and contains controls which can change this configuration. Two sets of controls can change the assignment of image planes to the red, green, and blue colour guns.  The first is a set of four buttons labelled OFF, RGB, BW and PC.  The second is a rectangular grid of Image Plane Mapping buttons.

Image Plane Mapping

There are three rows (one for each colour gun) and one column of Image Plane Mapping buttons for each image plane.  Click these buttons to assign each colour gun (red, green and blue) to an image plane.

OFF Button

The OFF button disables (switches off) all image planes on the Handler Window, resulting in a black background. This disables the Image Plane Mapping buttons. This option is useful for displaying graphic planes only.

RGB Button

The RGB button enables assignment of each colour gun (red, green, blue) to a different image plane, resulting in a colour image.

BW Button

The BW button enables assignment of one image plane to all three colour guns, resulting in a black-and-white image.

PC Button

The PC button enables assignment of one image plane to the pseudo-colour table (PCT), resulting in a pseudo-colour image where each grey level value is assigned to a different colour.


Control Panel Graphics Section

The Graphics Section of the Handler Control panel shows which graphic planes are enabled and contains controls to turn them on or off.  Graphic planes overlay the imagery in the Handler Windows. Labelled buttons are used for enabling or disabling up to 16 graphic planes.

Graphic Plane Buttons

One or two rows of numbered buttons are used to enable (turn on) or disable (turn off) each graphic plane. When the button is recessed (pushed in), the graphic plane is enabled (this is the default state).  When the button is active (pushed out), then the graphic plane is disabled. Click a graphic plane button to reverse its state. The colour of each graphic plane is used for labelling each button.

Note:  Disabling a graphic plane does not erase the data on it.

All On and All Off Buttons

The All On and All Off buttons enable and disable all graphic planes respectively.


Control Panel Enhancement Section
Control Panel Enhancements Section

The Enhancements Section of the Handler Control panel contains four functions to enhance the appearance of imagery currently showing in the Handler Window. This is often necessary, since most satellite imagery is not enhanced prior to loading.  Enhancement buttons modify only the look-up tables associated with each image plane.  The actual data on each image plane is not changed.

None Button

The None button removes all enhancements and displays the original image. Look-up tables are initialized to identity functions.

Linear Button

The Linear button applies a linear contrast stretch function to the displayed image.  This enhancement works well for most imagery.

Equal Button

The Equal button applies a histogram equalization enhancement to the displayed image. This enhancement highlights previously unseen features in imagery.

Root Button

The Root button applies a square root contrast stretch function to the displayed image.  This enhancement produces a brighter image than the Linear function.


Control Panel Zoom Section

The Zoom Section of the Control Panel can be used to magnify a part of the image showing on the Handler Window. This is called zooming. Moving to a new part of the image while the image is zoomed is called roaming.

The Zoom Section shows the current zoom level and a box diagram of the currently displayed portion of the zoomed image relativeto the whole image.  It allows you to change the zoom level and the portion of the image being displayed.

In Button

The In button zooms in (magnifies) the image centered around the current cursor position by a factor of two.

Out Button

The Out button zooms out the image centered around the current cursor position by a factor of two.

Zoom Factor List

The Zoom Factor List sets the zoom factor to Off, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32. Select the desired zoom factor from the list. If the Data Size of the Handler Window is larger than the Window Size, then selecting "Off" shows an overview of the whole image, and selecting "1" shows a full resolution subset of the whole image centered around the cursor position. The zoom box shows the portion of image being displayed in the Handler Window.

Roaming

Roam around the zoomed image by moving the mouse pointer in the Handler window while holding the Right mouse button. Alternatively, hold the Shift key and use the cursor (arrow) keys to roam. See Handler Window for more information.


Handler Window

The Handler Window is used to display imagery and graphic overlays. The title bar shows the Data Size and number of image planes for the Handler Window. The viewable Image Size may be smaller than this.

The Cursor

The Handler Window contains a small crosshair cursor.  The pixel and line position and data values on each image plane at the current cursor position are shown in the Handler Control window.

Moving the Cursor with the Left Mouse Button

Position the cursor by moving the mouse pointer inside the Handler Window while pressing the left mouse button. The mouse pointer disappears and the mouse moves the crosshair cursor instead. Releasing the left mouse button restores the normal mouse pointer. If the image is zoomed, moving the cursor near the edge of the Handler Window causes the displayed image to shift over.

Roaming the Image with the Right Mouse Button

Roam around a zoomed image by moving the mouse pointer inside the Handler Window while pressing right mouse button. The pointer disappears and the mouse moves the image centered around the crosshair cursor.

Moving the Cursor with the Keyboard Keys

Move the cursor using the keyboard cursor (arrow) keys. To change the rate of movement, select a number before using the cursor keys. 1 moves by one pixel; 2 by 4 pixels; 3 by 8; 4 by 16; and 5 by 32.

Roaming the Image with the Keyboard Keys

Roam the image using the keyboard cursor (arrow) keys while holding down the Shift key. To change the rate of movement, select a number before using the cursor keys. 1 moves by one pixel; 2 by 4 pixels; 3 by 8; 4 by 16; and 5 by 32.

Zooming the Image with the Keyboard Keys

Zoom In and Zoom Out by pressing the Page Down and Page Up keys respectively.


[MAP]

#define HELPID_LOAD_IMAGERY     100

#define HELPID_LOAD_GRAPHICS    101

#define HELPID_LOAD_LUT         102

#define HELPID_LOAD_PCT         103

#define HELPID_SAVE             104

#define HELPID_CONFIG           105