TNTmips is used in more than 120 nations around the world for geographic information analysis (GIS), advanced image processing, CAD, desktop mapping, electronic atlas preparation and other spatial database management and visualisation applications. System features include; full raster processing (with the fastest display of any system), full vector processing, 2D and 3D visualisation (including rendering of elevation models), integral relational database, the largest list of format translators available on any system, stereo-to-DEM creation and full cartographic layout functions. TNTmips offers a level of data and process integration unmatched by any other professional system. See our detailed price and product listing for more information.

TNTmips provides cross-platform capability to give exactly the same functionality and user interface on PC, UNIX workstation or Macintosh computers systems. So TNT project files require no conversion or translation to be used on different platforms in different locations and no additional learning is necessary for users upgrading hardware.

Prices for TNTmips start at $6000 for complete functionality on a PC - considerably less than the tens of thousands of pounds or so that would have to spent to equal its capability by any other systems. NPA's prices also include unlimited, free technical support. Current UK users include the MoD, NERC (Institute of Terrestrial Ecology), Imperial College, RTZ, Symonds Travers Morgan, Open University and a range of mineral exploration and environmental resource companies.

An exciting development of particular interest to education and those learning spatial analysis skills, is the release of TNTlite, available absolutely free of charge over the Internet. TNTlite offers exactly the same functionality as the professional TNTmips, but prevents the use of larger files (e.g. rasters no bigger than 512 x 512 pixels). TNTlite can also be downloaded from http://www.microimages.com/tntlite/.

A single data structure, the Project File, holds raster, vector, TIN, CAD, relational database, and text objects. A single Project File can be as large as the limits imposed by your operating system (Windows 3.1/95/NT, Mac OS, or UNIX). A flexible hierarchical structure lets you define logical levels of nested folders. Conversion processes let you move objects between types.

Raster objects of any dimensions and numeric type can be directly edited with a full-featured draw/paint process. Editing tools include line drawing, paint brush, shape tools, flood/fill bucket, text, box copy, flip, move, and color palette manipulation. Raster editing can be used for tasks such as photo-interpretation, annotation, and artistic or cartographic finish work on presentation materials.

Vector objects can contain point, line, polygon, and label elements in a rigorously defined topological relationship. The system maintains exact vector topology so TNTmips can correctly handle feature boundaries, areas, overlaps, and intersections. Vector editing tools add, copy, move, and delete elements. A vector object can be overlaid on other project materials for visual reference during editing. Vector elements can be assigned database attributes to control their display and manipulation according to logical selection criteria.

TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) objects contain point and line information. A TIN object represents a continuous surface in three dimensions as a set of triangles computed from irregularly spaced 3D points. TIN objects provide a highly efficient tool for processes that perform computations related to surface and volume.

CAD objects contain point, line, and polygon elements, but unlike vector elements, they can also contain geometric shapes and blocks, and are not subject to the rigorous constraints of vector topology. CAD objects give you easy access to project materials from engineering projects, and are a good choice for on-screen drawing and editing in applications such as photo-interpretation. CAD objects in the TNT object editor can work over a reference object (such as an image), so elements can be created, moved, copied, modified, combined, and set in the drawing order. CAD elements can be assigned relational database attributes, so they can be displayed and manipulated according to logical selection criteria.

Database objects can exist as separate objects, or can be attached to the elements in raster, vector, or CAD objects to provide transparent access to tabular reference information. Relational database objects can hold attributes, styles, labels, numeric values, and any kind of text. You can query related database objects to do everything from implementing powerful GIS manipulations to selecting display styles according to an element or feature's attribute.