| Project | Spatial Technology Applications and Training Center |
| Contact | Richard Toliver |
| Email | rick_toliver@sri.com |
| URL | |
Project
description | The world is on the threshold of a Spatial Information Revolution. Soon images and data from thousands of satellites will pour down from space. The challenge is to organize and/or control images and data. Within the next decade multiple billions of dollars will be generated through commercial applications of remote sensing. The Huntsville Alabama Space & Rocket Center, with the help of a National Science Foundation grant, is investigating the need for a spatial technology technology applications and training Center. A Spatial Technology Partnership has been formed that includes the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Auburn University, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Global Hydrology and Climate Center, and the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. SRI International is participating as the technology and project design consultant.The results of this project will include: (a) A new model for teaching spatial technologies. (b) A regional and national dissemination plan for the model’s products. (c) Peer-reviewed journal articles describing the model. (d) Partnership sponsored symposium to share results |
Theoretical
background | SRI's initial research indicates that GPS, GIS, and remote sensing technology is changing very fast. Current and expected users of the technology depend on others (government and academia) for research, development, product development, and training. Reduced R&D budgets and several other key factors are leading to a growing gap between GPS, GIS, Remote Sensing technology developers and those who would use this new and exciting technology. |
| Challenges | (1) How do we move the technology into the hands of people who need to use the technology.(2) What type of instructional products are needed to support training for the general public, K-12, Universities, in-service, and continuing education.(3) How can this process be made exciting through the use of new training ideas and concepts.(4) How can advanced data visualization techniques be used to support this project.(5) What approach can be used that supports the diverse goals of the Spatial Technology Partners; i.e. entertainment, education, and research. |
| Partnership | (1) GPS, GIS, and remote sensing technology developers or products from these technical areas.(2) Ideas and concepts for spatial data visualization.(3) Ideas and concepts for training aids using GPS, GIS and remote sensing.(4) Ideas and concepts for ways the general public can interact with GPS, GIS and remote sensing at a location based entertainment complex. |