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Events Archive Archive Index | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 1999
"Groupcom"Carol Kerivan, GroupComm, displayed various LCD/DLP projection systems, as well as the SmartBoard and Videoconferencing. The SmartBoard is an electronic whiteboard that not only captures notes to your computer via the serial port but also becomes a large touchscreen when using it with a projector. This allows an instructor to control any application directly on the board as well as annotate over applications. The Board can also be used with videoconferencing as a whiteboard. Runway Incursion ProjectThe reduction of runway incursions on the airports surface have become a high-priority issue for the Federal Aviation Administration since a number of surface incidents led to the release of the FAA's Runway Incursion Action Plan in 1991. In an effort to reduce incursions, Volpe Center is working with the FAA's Runway Incursion Reduction Program (RIRP) Office, to evaluate existing technologies in an effort to increase situational awareness both in the air traffic control tower (ATCT) cab and in the cockpit. A cooperative FAA / NASA evaluation of an integration of existing and new surface surveillance systems was tested at Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport (ATL) in the summer of 1996. The effort is continuing over the next two years at the Dallas - Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Data fusion is accomplished in a Surveillance Server Fusion Platform (SSFP) developed at Volpe. Through the SSFP existing NAS systems including the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-3) and Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR-9 - ARTS III) are integrated with available technologies to enhance surface surveillance. These systems include the Aircraft Target Identification System (ATIDS), a Data Link Manager (DLM), a Vehicle Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast system (VADS-B), a Local Area Augmentation System LAAS, and a Runway/Taxiway inductive Loop system providing a seamless coverage of the airport movement area and approaching traffic. Francis described the individual systems and the FAA data fusion efforts in ATL and DFW. Developing a Partnership for Success: The Johns-Manville SiteJane Saks recently produced a video for the EPA called Developing a Partnership for Success: The Johns-Manville Site. It was produced jointly for Region 1 and the EPA Superfund Community Involvement and Outreach Center (CIOC). The Johns-Manville site was an asbestos manufacturing plant in Nashua NH. It demonstrates what could be identified as one of EPA's best practices for how to involve the community in decisions that affect them at Superfund sites. Community agencies and neighborhood residents were asked to be part of a team that made decisions about the clean up of the site. The 20-minute film includes footage of team meetings and interviews with team members, as well as clean up activities and neighborhood restoration. Community involvement techniques references are similar to those used by DOT and DOE. Acoustic Measurement and Analysis ProgramGregg Fleming, Manager, and Christopher Roof, Acoustics Facility, highlighted an Acoustic Measurement and Analysis Program undertaken in support of a joint FAA/USAF Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the reuse of the former Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. During August of 1998, ambient noise measurements were made at twenty-eight (28) sites throughout four national properties in southern Florida, making it the single-largest ambient noise program known to-date. Measurements were made in Biscayne Bay National Park, Everglades National Park, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Big Cypress National Preserve. Measured ambient sound level data were used to create "ambient sound level maps" for the four properties. Potential noise impacts for the proposed activities, which may include a commercial airport and/or spaceport, were modeled using an enhanced version of the FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM). The presentation covered all aspects of the program, including measurement, analysis, logistics and inter-agency issues. The United States Postal Service - A Transportation GiantFive years ago the Environmental Engineering Division embarked upon a program of technical support to the Postal Service. This support has included over 30 varied and interesting projects for the largest and most complex civilian government agency and one of the world's largest transportation companies. Phil Mattson provided an overview of these activities, and briefly discussed the historic role of the Postal Service in shaping the nation's transportation system. Quantitative Software Management's life-cycle management product, SLIMA representative of QSM Associates (Quantitative Software Management) was at the Volpe Center to demonstrate their software life-cycle management product, SLIM. SLIM is a software project estimation tool which allows managers to identify the best strategy for building a product, shortening cycle time, reducing cost, improving quality, and minimizing risk. Four factors - time, size, effort, and defects - provide a picture of the development process. Bob Karski of CSC shared his experiences using the product. In addition, the CTUG included a discussion of the technology and how it can be used with 4GLs and other languages for:
Function Point Analysis for Improved Software ManagementSpeaker: Scott L. Goldfard, President, Q/P Management Group, Inc. The session described the FPA technique and how numerous government agencies and major corporations have leveraged the technique to evaluate software, manage projects and improve productivity. The session topics included:
Distance LearningThe United States Distance Learning Association defines distance learning as the acquisition of knowledge and skills through mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance. Historically, this meant a traditional correspondence course. Today, it means gaining knowledge and information by the use of such mediums as a CD-ROM, the Internet, video conferencing or an interactive satellite broadcast. This CTUG meeting discussed how the state of Massachusetts plans to implement distance learning and connect our children with innovative educational opportunities in the 21st Century. The Massachusetts Community Network was explained and discussed, particularly on how it will affect our children's ability to acquire information and receive an education. In this presentation you heard about such organizations as the United States Distance Learning Association, the Federal Government's Distance Learning Association, the Government Alliance for Training and Education, the Massachusetts Army National Guard Distance Learning State Advisory Board, the Information Technology Advisory Committee, and other such groups. |
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