INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN OCEANOGRAPHY (ITO-98) GOA, INDIA 12-16 OCTOBER 1998

Remote sensing and geographic information systems are two examples of Spatial Information Technology (SIT). SIT can provide useful and timely information on the location, extent, type, condition and interdependency of natural resources. Management of ocean, resources is dependent on this type of information. Some agencies were quick to adopt SIT while others remain unaware or unconvinced about the benefits it has to offer. A common complaint directed towards SIT from non-technical users is the complexity of the technology. Further, when newcomers to the technology attempt to overcome the complexity they are frustrated by inappropriate training materials. The Task Orientated - Application of a Spatial Information Systems Toolbox (TO-ASIST) is proffered as one solution to this problem. The TO-ASIST concept facilitates the development of customized software packages that are dedicated to one function, for example, benthic mapping using satellite imagery. The TO-ASIST is written in such a way that it guides the user though the software removing the need for casual users to remember complex processing tasks. A TO-ASIST also provides a hierarchy of on-line theory that underlies the SIT principles used in the TO-ASIST. Inexperienced users may therefore investigate the technology they are using if they so desire.

 Recent advancements in computer programming provide a vehicle for anyone to write a TO-ASIST. Object oriented programming languages such as Visual Basic offer a rapid development environment that can make use of the component object model (COM). The COM enables third party vendors to create custom controls (called OCX) that perform specialist tasks, for example, display and manipulation of geographic data. By using these controls applications can be pieced together using Visual Basic as the glue.

Land Use Modeller is presented as an example of a TO-ASIST. Land Use Modeller is designed to map land-use from multi-temporal satellite imagery with little user input. Land Use Modeller was written to aid investigation into terrestrial outputs to coastal regions and their impact on marine protected areas.

[ITO - 98] [Welcome] [1998 - Internetional Year of the Oceans] [Objectives of ITO-98] [Plenary Lectures] [Technical Sessions] [Commercial/Corporate Presentation] [Exhibition/Demonstration] [Ocean IT CDROM] [Awards/Financial Assistance] [Fees / Charges] [Souvenir] [Post Symposium Event] [International Scientific Programme Committee] [Organizing Committee] [Schedule] [Scientific Programme Summary] [The Host] [Travelling / Accomodation] [Registration Forms] [Abstracts]

"to continously improve our understanding of the seas around us and to translate this knowledge to benefit all"

Copyright© National Institute Of Oceanography, Goa,India,1998
updated on 7th July'98