Random Thoughts (ENVI 4.5 vs. Erdas Imagine 9.x, Geography vs. Geology, Fall Classes)

Well i've started using ENVI in my Environmental Remote Sensing class.  I've been dreading the move after doing the entire Masters project with Erdas.  So far...i miss Erdas.

I can still do everything i need to do.  However, the interface for Erdas was so much nicer.  I still can't believe i have to use three (3) windows to zoom into a drawing with ENVI.  Why can't i just pan and zoom around an image!  Grrr...so far something that simple is the most frustrating thing about the program. 

I can see why Erdas is the preferred software of consultants and the commercial world.  It's much quicker to do anything.  Leave ENVI for the academics who have a lot of time, ha :)

I'm still learning where everything is, but i'm picking it up quickly.  I won't have any problems, just will need time to get used to the interface.

My Environmental Remote Sensing class will be pretty useful.  I've never done any hyper spectral before.  And Geologist do things differently than Geographers...so it'll be a learning experience.  I'm still an engineer, not a geographer or geologist, so i'm game to learn all the various methodologies. 

I'll discuss that class a little more later.  I have to study for a "quiz" tomorrow.

But i do want to rant about the Geology computer lab.  They are in the process of moving, so i'll give them some slack.  But their ENVI doesn't use Windows, but uses Linux machines, with Envi 4.3 or 4.4 Unix version.  Yes it works.  But come on...Windows is so much easier for the students to learn.  On my laptop i have ENVI 4.5.  I don't notice any differences, but you would think a research university would be up on their maintenance.

And finally, i will be attending AAG Las Vegas in March.  I've booked my room at Circus Circus, across the street from the conference.  Rooms were $100/night cheaper there.  I plan on presenting, and will blog about that closer to the October 16 abstract deadline.

Comments

[Dave Roussel]

Hi there,

I found your blog while searching for ERDAS vs ENVI trying to decide which one would be better to work with for a project dealing mainly with Geographical data (We want to map a town and recreate it in 3D).

At the same time our main investigator is a professional Oceanographer, so he might be biased for one or the other, I do not know which one he would like more.

Can you expand on your experiences using both packages and what you would suggest for my project. E-mail me directly if you wish too.

Thank you for the blog !

[Steve]

Dave,

I would email you, but i don't see your email address in the comments.

I much prefer ERDAS over ENVI. ERDAS is more user friendly, and a lot of the functionality is built in. Where ENVI is more for academic community. You have more control over what you can and can't do within ENVI. However, things you can just "click" in ERDAS, you need to know the theory behind to get to work in ENVI.

If your Oceanographer is an academic, i'm going to assume he prefers ENVI. After starting with ERDAS, and now having to use ENVI for my dissertation...if your both products will suit your needs. It all depends on cost, and what your researchers are comfortable using.