[FWTools] gdal_polygonize

[John Zastrow]

We need to vectorize a large class raster (landuse) that we produced 
using spatial analyst. ArcGIS is refusing to take it further and our 
friends at ESRI are stumped. So, we are ready throw some FOSS tools at 
the problem and the next step is to simply vectorize about 12 raster 
classes into a vector that we'll clean up from there. I  think 
gdal_polygonize (http://www.gdal.org/gdal_polygonize.html) will help me 
get the product out. But, I tried two types of FWtools installs for 
Windows (osgeo and maptools) and was bitten by the "old gen" problem 
with each.

I'll happily kick over to Ubuntu-based linux or keep on Windows if 
someone can recommend a surefire way to get gdal_polygonize running 
quickly - or recommend a replacement.