This document describes the operation of the DNA Graphical User Interface (DNA/GUI) software package written at the Washington University Biomedical Computer Laboratory [1]. DNA/GUI is an interactive software system for rapid and efficient analysis of images of the types used in genome mapping, such as autoradiograms and electrophoretic gels. Images can be acquired using a commercially available charge-coupled-device (CCD) camera system and analyzed on a graphics workstation using a menu-driven user interface. DNA/GUI features automatic lane and band detection, simultaneous display of multiple images, and a unique spatial-normalization algorithm. Images and their associated data are archived and easily available for later recall. Preliminary results indicate that DNA/GUI is a useful tool in the analysis and comparison of images used in a variety of applications such as genetic-linkage analysis and DNA restriction mapping. DNA/GUI is written in the C programming language, and the interactive display software is based on the X Window System; the software is therefore readily portable to a variety of graphics workstations. Features are summarized in Table 1.1.
This introductory chapter covers changes and additions since Version 1.0.
It also describes the kind of images and digital image formats
which DNA/GUI can analyze. Chapter 2 gives details for installing
the software files and general details about using the system.
Chapter 3 gives details for completely analyzing an image.
Chapter 4 describes several submenus which may prove helpful during analysis.
Chapter 5 describes several miscellaneous features not accessed through
the usual menus. Chapter 6 describes extensions which are for specific
applications and are still under development. Finally, the Appendices
give additional details for certain items in the User's Guide which
don't justify inclusion in the body of the Guide.