Hi Mateus,
I am a Caret user and have some knowledge of Freesurfer.
I would say one of the biggest differences between the two software packages for creating surface reconstructions is that Caret relies on semi-automated processing of the MR images and Freesurfer is fully automated. Once you get the hang of it, Caret takes about 4-6 hours per hemisphere (includes user and computer processing time). Freesurfer takes approximately 20+ hours per brain once the image is input. Both methods rely on high quality MR images to ensure optimal results.
Also, Caret's surface is a reconstruction of approximately half way between the GM/CSF boundary and the GM/WM boundary (cortical layer 4). I think Freesurfer reconstructs a GM/CSF surface--but double check that.
Once Freesurfer is complete with processing, you can get cortical thickness measures, but not with Caret.
Both software packages require notable memory (Caret -> 1-2 GB RAM) and processor speed in order to allow for timely results.
That is a quick overview. I am happy to answer more specific questions. Hope this helps.
-Veronica
On Tue, 10 Oct 2006, Mateus Joffily wrote:
> Dear SPMers,
>
> I am looking for a software that allows me to project SPM5 activations onto an
> inflated cortical surface. It seems that freesurf and caret/surefit can do it.
> However, it is not clear for me what are the pros and cons of each package.
> Does anyone has some experience with them and can give me some advice? Thanks
> for your help.
>
> Mateus
>
|