This project is aimed at implementing a multipurpose geo- techniques training facility for instructing undergraduate students in methods used to integrate and display land resource and atmospheric information. Geography majors and students from other natural resource programs taking courses in Computer Cartography, Remote Sensing, Physical Geography, Meteorology, and Geographic Information Systems will utilize the laboratory. The integrated approach planned stresses compatibility and data interchange between software and hardware providing undergraduates with opportunities to exchange data among previously incompatible formats. The requested equipment includes microcomputers, software, networking, and hard copy generation capabilities which can support a variety of computer mapping, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and real-time weather analysis activities within a common laboratory. The creation of this lab will greatly increase the amount of "hands-on" time available to undergraduates. In addition to providing a unique and valuable service to campus programs which stress the measurement and analysis of natural resources, the lab provides a facility for undergraduate students to participate in supervised research activities. The proposed undergraduate laboratory will serve as a prototype to test new curricula and as a model for other geography programs wishing to develop geo-techniques laboratories which take advantage of convergent technologies.
