Highlights for November 6, 1997
USGS Center for Biological Informatics

I. Key Department News:

• USGS Participates In GIS/LIS Annual Conference: On October 27-30, Ralph Root (CBI) participated in the GIS/LIS 1997 Annual Conference and Exposition in Cincinnati as chair of the Electronic Communications Committee for the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Conference presentations included updates on emerging trends for geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, GIS tools and applications on the Internet, spatial data standards, development and use of metadata, and visualization and multimedia. (Ralph Root, Denver, 303/202-4232)
  
  
• USGS Conducts GPS Training Sessions: On October 30, Karl Brown (CBI) assisted WRD and GD staff in a Global Positioning System (GPS) training session in Denver. Eighteen attendees, mostly from WRD, obtained GPS operational information, datum training, and hands-on field training in use of the PLGR+96 military receiver. Marti Ikehara, WRD/GD GPS Coordinator, requested the assistance and participated in the session. The WRD is directing that all GPS data collection utilize the NAD83 Datum. (Karl Brown, Denver, 303/202-4240)
  
  
• USGS Participates in National GPS Coordinators Meeting: On November 4-6, Karl Brown (CBI) attended National GPS Coordinators meetings in Washington, D.C. The Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee of the Federal Geographic Data Committee covered the coming adjustments to the NAD83 Datum and the use of accuracy-based standards for metadata (versus the historic A-order, B-order, etc.). The committee also discussed the National Differential Global Positioning System (GPS) study and the awarding of funds to install differential GPS at existing Air Force sites. The GPS Interagency Advisory Council discussed the modernization program for GPS and the need for a second civil frequency. (Karl Brown, Denver, 303/202-4240)
  

• Russian Scientists Visit CBI: On November 6, Ralph Root (CBI) hosted three scientists and the manager of the Research Information Computer Center, Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation, Moscow. As part of a tour of USGS offices and facilities in Denver, Dr. Root articulated the role of the BRD and the CBI, particularly related to the development, implementation, and future direction of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII). Demonstrations of the BRD, CBI, Gap Analysis Program, and USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program home pages were used to describe the development and evolution of the NBII. Dr. Root also provided highlights of BRD geospatial technology activities, with an emphasis on geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies. (Ralph Root, Denver, 303/202-4240)
  

IV. Press/Media Inquiries: No report.

V. FOIA Requests: No report.