has greatly increased the quality of the computational 
capabilities thereby decreasing the time required by the 
user in conducting complex and comprehensive investigations. 
This paper is a brief description of: 1) the geodata 
computing facility and interactive mini-computer system 
components being utilized, 2) the PNL developed and/or 
tested techniques found most effective for formatting, 
registering and merging many types of data bases, and 3) 
typical examples of computer-generated graphics illustra 
ting how various data bases have been registered and com 
bined with one another to enhance data interpretation. 
GEODATA COMPUTING FACILITY 
At PNL, the Geosciences and Engineering Department has an 
advanced interactive computer facility expecially config 
ured for processing and integrating remote sensing and 
geosciences data. Figure 1 shows the current system with 
a VAX 11/780 as the main processing unit. This unit has 
the capability of sharing the peripheral components of 
two "sister" DEC (11/55 and 11/70) computer systems. The 
11/55 system drives the interactive analysis functions 
performed on state-of-the-art accessories including a 
Ramtek color display scope, an interactive vector scope, 
an Optronics drum digitizer/recorder (color) and a Bendix 
digitizing table. The graphics output functions are con 
trolled by the 11/70 which drives a Dicomed color film 
recorder, several plotters and printers and an array 
processor. 
DATA BASE INTEGRATION 
We are assuming that most readers have some knowledge of 
the general principles and techniques for data base inte 
gration. However, we would like to emphasize a few par 
ticulars. There has been considerable discussion of the 
relative virtues of vector versus raster data formats. 
We have found advantages in using both formats. With the 
cost of disk storage space rapidly dropping, it becomes 
increasingly practical to store large data bases in an 
image or raster format. We have found that a grid system 
with angular increments offers somewhat greater flexibility 
than an arbitrary rectrangular system. The current NOAA 
topographic data base for the U.S. based on a 30 second 
grid is a good example of this format. We would like to 
see Landsat imagery offered in an angular grid format in 
addition to the current map projections. The vector 
format, however, is still most appropriate for many data 
sets. Here the data is stored as individual points or 
point strings in geographic coordinates. Mapping or 
cartographic data sets are good candidates for this type 
of storage. The World Data Bank II available from NOAA, 
is an example of a large data set of this type. By using 
efficient programs for converting from vector to raster 
format, we have found it convenient to work with both 
systems. 
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