An inexpensive microcomputer system has been configured to process and display Landsat-MSS digital data for higher education establishments. The system consists of a 16-bit processor with a maths co-processor, a 512 kbyte memory with 20Mbyte fixed disk drive, 1·2 Mbyte diskette drive, keyboard and enhanced colour monitor. A graphic development tool kit is installed to display an image. To enable data transfer to and from the mainframe computer, communication software is made available on both the microcomputer and the mainframe. This local work station is capable of carrying out both graphic work and image processing.