Workshop Abstracts
Automated Vehicle Location Technology
Austin Fisher
Applied GIS, Inc.
137 Jay Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
518-346-0942 x201 p.
518-346-5322 f.
www.appliedgis.com
This workshop on automated vehicle location (AVL) technology will be presented jointly by Applied GIS, Inc., and the Waypoint Technology Group. It will cover the basics of AVL deployment including equipment and communication services. Content will focus on the use of AVL by organizations to enhance dispatching, routing, and vehicle management activities. Demonstrations of AVL solutions will also be provided.
Geodetic Datums: What they are and why you should care.
Dr. Thomas Henry Meyer
The University of Connecticut
U-87, 1376 Storrs Road
Storrs, CT 06269-4087
Tel: (860) 486-2840 Fax: (860) 486-5408
Email: tmeyer@canr.uconn.edu
Geodetic datums are that which define the meaning of spatial position, i.e., latitude, longitude, and height. Therefore, all the spatial information stored and displayed in a GIS ultimately depend on a geodetic datum for their meaning. There is more than one geodetic datum and mixing data together from different datums causes havoc in a GIS. This talk will explain what geodetic datums are, why there is more than one of them, what goes wrong when data in different datums are mixed together, and what to do about it.
Analytical Cartography: Distortions caused by cartographic projections.
Dr. Thomas Henry Meyer
The University of Connecticut
U-87, 1376 Storrs Road
Storrs, CT 06269-4087
Tel: (860) 486-2840 Fax: (860) 486-5408
Email: tmeyer@canr.uconn.edu
There is no such thing as a perfect cartographic projection. All projections distort various spatial properties of the features on a map. This talk will introduce the kinds of distortions projections create and how to remove the distortions, if necessary
Geocaching Hands-On Session
Tim Hallock, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Spatial Information Technology Center
GPS or Global Positioning System is a rapidly emerging technology utilizing satellite-based technology. Most commonly recognized as a hand-held or car dash-board navigational units, GPS also allows for accurate location identification, ground point verification and other data collection capabilities. This workshop unlocks the mystery of GPS with a comprehensive look at what this once highly-classified military satellite system does. You will learn the essential basic skills of using a GPS unit. It will be of particular interest to those associated with transportation, economic development, emergency services, surveying, etc., as well as outdoor recreation enthusiasts like hunters, hikers, backpackers, and boaters who need navigational skills. Practical, hands-on GPS skills will be taught outdoors. The group will also participate in the new sport of 'geocaching' and will find caches hidden on and around the hotel property. GPS receivers will be provided by FMCC’s Spatial Information Technology Center or you may bring your own.
GIS for GASB 34
As part of a series of workshops being sponsored by the newly-formed New York State GIS/LIS Association, this session will provide an overview of GIS as applicable to GASB 34 Implementation. The presentation will provide an understanding of GASB’s Statement No. 34 with respect to infrastructure reporting requirements and how GIS is able to provide the mechanism to solve real problems with improved infrastructure management practices. Two local government case studies will be presented. Lessons learnt with respect to technology, procedures and standardization will also be discussed.
Presenters will include a representative from the private sector and Geospatial One-Stop (Dr. Rachel Arulraj, Parsons Brinckerhoff) and a local government GASB Statement 34 Implementer (Robert Mateja, Town of Colonie). Tom Bodden, Manager of Research and Information, The Association of Towns of the State of New York will also speak briefly at the presentation. Participation of attendees is strongly encouraged.
GPS for GIS – Is this Surveying?
Jonathan Cobb, Waypoint Technology Group
Rob Mateja, Town of Colonie
John Trimber, LS, Southern Finger Lakes Association of Professional Land Surveyors
Dan Bower, LS, New York State Board of Engineering and Land Surveying
As part of a series of workshops sponsored by the to-be-formed New York State GIS/LIS Association, this session will focus on key issues facing both the GIS and land surveying professions, including the use of GPS for GIS data collection, legal interpretations and implications, and the status of pending legislation related to licensure. Presenters will include a representative from the GPS industry (Jonathan Cobb, Waypoint Technology Group), a GIS manager (Rob Mateja, Town of Colonie), a professional land surveyor (John Trimber, LS, Southern Finger Lakes Association of Professional Land Surveyors), and a member of the state’s regulatory oversight body (Dan Bower, LS, New York State Board of Engineering and Land Surveying). Comments by and participation of attendees is strongly encouraged.