I solved with the following workflow: open vector use VectorAttributeToROIs to produce a roiFile.xml open the roiFile.xml ---> rois = e.OpenRoi(xmlFile) open raster use the command: my_raster.ExportRois, fileroi, rois, 'Classic' I am discovering the potential of ENVI+IDL. Two more questions: Is it possible from IDL command line executing both ENVI and ENVI classic metods? Can every command (that correctly works if launched from idl command) be execute using the idlpy library with the sintax IDL.run('instruction')?

1. Yes, you can use both classic and new API calls. You will need to initialize the appropriate batch mode for each when running in IDL-only (headless). For example: ENVI new API: e=envi(/headless) Classic: envi, /restore_base_save_files envi_batch_init envi_batch_exit 2. As far as know you should be able run pretty much same commands using the RUN method and directly calling the IDL routines from the IDL object. If you do experience inconsistencies please let us know.