The George F. Deasy GeoGraphics Laboratory is a geographic information design studio affiliated with the Department of Geography. In collaboration with Penn State’s Environmental Resources Research Institute, and University Libraries, the Deasy Lab maintains the Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access System (PASDA), Pennsylvania’s node on the National Spatial Data Infrastructure. In a rapidly changing world, detailed, up-to-date spatial data are indispensable for governance, for commerce, and for environmental and social research. PASDA provides the Commonwealth with access to digital spatial data for geographic information systems (GIS) users, access to interactive mapping for those who do not use GIS, access to expertise for those who seek the services of GIS practitioners, and access to educational opportunities, including Penn State’s World Campus Certificate Program in GIS. The PASDA team will demonstrate how Internet2 enables distribution of large, detailed data sets, such as 1-meter resolution digital aerial photographs, to users throughout the Commonwealth and the nation. PASDA is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Penn State’s Earth System Science Center (ESSC) brings together the Departments of Geosciences, Meteorology, Geography, and Energy, Environmental, and Mineral Economics to search for links between the Earth's physical processes and past and future global change. The Center coordinates and conducts extensive research related to the global water cycle, the biogeochemical cycles, Earth System history, and human impacts on the Earth system. ESSC staff will be on hand to discuss the role of Internet2 in current and future research projects.

The Department of Meteorology has been basking in the benefits of Internet2 technology. Using the enhanced bandwidth provided by I2, faculty and students are now able to view high-resolution satellite, radar, and state-of-the-art forecast model data, updated every 5 minutes. Students are able to more easily visualize the atmosphere using this technology, and faculty are now better equipped to use the data and technology as part of their lectures. Approximately 2 gigabytes of this high-resolution data per day are transmitted to the department for visualization, a feat that is now only feasible because of I2.

Numerous ongoing projects in the Department of Meteorology have also benefited greatly from the I2 technology. Several members of the Department download an additional 750 megabytes of experimental datasets, daily. These datasets include newly released hurricane forecast model data, such as that made available for Hurricane Mitch in the Caribbean. The datasets are then graphically displayed and made available on the web for students and faculty to use, both inside and outside the Department. These and other departmental web pages have received critical acclaim from both inside and outside the Department, and are among the most popular at Penn State University.

In addition, there will be a demonstration of open systems based multicast conferencing tools with the CAC ImmersaDesk demonstration in the Computer Building and a presentation of the current state and future of the College's Network.

Location: 205 Walker Building

Scheduled Demonstration Times: Research and C&IS staff will be on hand from 12:30-5:00 PM to answer your questions.