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The next ASPRS-RMR Technical Tour has been scheduled at Space Imaging in Thornton, CO on Friday, May 11 from 1-5pm. A comprehensive tour will be given, followed by a social/networking event outside (weather permitting). Refreshments appropriate to a Friday late afternoon will be served. Mark your calendars and be watching our web site (or your mail box) for late-breaking news about this exciting event. Reservations will be required for this tour. RSVP no later than Friday, May 4 to RSVP@SpaceImaging.com.

The 14th Annual "GIS in the Rockies" Conference will meet September 18-20, 2001 at Plaza at the Mart, Denver, Colorado. Sponsored by ACSM, ASPRS, GITA, PLSC, and URISA, this meeting will feature one day of workshops and two days of concurrent technical sessions on the theme "Convergence of Information & Geography for Everyone." The Call for Papers has been issued. Application tracks include GIS Introduction, Remote Sensing, Emergency Services, Internet GIS, Water Resources, Local Government, Natural Resources, Utilities, Business, Smart Growth, Surveying/GPS. Abstracts must be received by June 1. For additional information, see the web site at www.GISintheRockies.org or contact the chair by e-mail at chair@GISintheRockies.org.

Welcome New Members!!!

Active

Student

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As incoming President for 2001, this letter is my first communiqué to the members of ASPRS-RMR. I am Jeff Liedtke, and have been involved in the geo-technologies for more than 15 years. I am most interested in applying technology in a practical manner to solve real-world problems.

First, I would like to thank the Past President, Robert Eadie, and the year 2000 Board of Directors for an exceptional year. They accomplished much and laid the groundwork for many initiatives and activities for 2001. It is my pleasure to announce that RMR was voted as first runner-up for Region of the Year for 2000! Additionally, the RMR newsletter, The Rocky Mountain Compiler, won the award for Best Newsletter! Please refer to the newsletter article describing these awards to the RMR. Other accomplishments in year 2000 include:

• ASPRS-RMR leadership resulted in the most successful "GIS in the Rockies" Conference in recent years, together with ACSM, GITA, URISA and PLSC,
• winning the bid to host the annual ASPRS National Conference for year 2004,
• awarding 3 scholarships to a large field of well-qualified candidates from several colleges and universities in the region,
• revamping the web site (www.asprs-rmr.org),
• organizing several interesting technical tours of companies in the region,
• and more!

Many thanks to the year 2000 RMR Board of Directors for a job well done!

The RMR has identified 5 main goals for 2001, outlined below.

1) Develop business plan for the 2004 ASPRS National Conference and begin initial groundwork. A successful national conference in 2004 focuses national and international attention on the Rocky Mountain Region and brings potential business and partnership opportunities to the region. The selection of RMR to host the 2004 National Convention demonstrates that RMR has reached national prominence in the geo-technologies; and RMR plans to carry this momentum forward to sustain a strong leadership role in the geo-technologies for many years. We will rely on volunteers to make this a success (more about volunteers later).

2) Increase membership and participation of members in the Rocky Mountain Region. The goal is to increase general RMR membership by 5%. This goal can be achieved by conveying the benefits of membership more clearly, organizing more functions that offer the opportunity for members to interact and network, increasing the content on the ASPRS-RMR website (see below) to be an information resource for members, and more.

Additionally, we plan to establish at least two new student chapters in the RMR. Many colleges and universities in the region are active in the geo-technology disciplines, and judging by the good response to the 2000 scholarship campaign, both graduate students and undergraduates in the region are interested in the Society. As the administrator for the scholarship program in 2000, I was interested to learn about the wide variety of theoretical and applied research being conducted at the different academic institutions. Active Student Chapters are a good way for general members to learn about cutting edge research, a platform is provided to students to present their work, and gives employers in the region access to qualified job applicants. The success of the 2004 National Convention will depend in part on student volunteers, and establishing student chapters now will lay the groundwork for student participation for the 2004 National Convention.

Because it is difficult for general RMR members outside of Colorado to attend the many functions hosted in the Denver area, the RMR Board will also investigate ways to establish general membership chapters and engage members in Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico in activities closer to home. If you have suggestions for activities that would benefit the members of the RMR, or are interested in helping establish student and/or regional chapters in RMR, please email me at worldvu@infi.net.

3) Increase the content on the RMR website. The objective is to provide a resource for members to obtain information about ASPRS, ASPRS-RMR, and industry activities; interesting news and websites pertaining to the geo-technologies; job opportunities and more. Companies, sustaining members and individuals will be able to advertise on the website for a modest fee. If you have inputs on improving the website, or have noteworthy news you would like posted on the website, please forward them to the RMR Communications Coordinator, Sheila Pelczarski, at sgp@denverwater.org.

4) Help host a successful "GIS in the Rockies" conference. Build on the success of GISITR 2000, and work together with ACSM, GITA, URISA and PLSC to provide all participants an engaging and professional forum in which to learn, express ideas and convey information. GISITR is the premier GIS event in the region, the venue where the general RMR members across the region get together for the year. GISITR also attracts participants across North America and internationally due to the caliber of the conference, and a wide variety of organizations are represented throughout the region.

5) Become the ASPRS Region on the Year for 2001. This can be achieved with the active participation of ASPRS-RMR members throughout the region. I appeal to the members in the region to support these goals and become more involved in activities to build a strong Society, to the benefit of all.

The ASPRS-RMR Board of Directors is especially seeking volunteers for two activities: a) participation in the 2004 National Convention committee for planning the program, including structure and format of the convention, promotion and event planning, and b) establishing student and/or general membership chapters. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to volunteer for these or other RMR activities. I will work with you to identify activities, level of effort and benefits to you.

The 2001 ASPRS-RMR Board of Directors has several new members representing a variety of industry segments; please refer to the Board of Director profiles on the website. This has resulted in newfound energy and enthusiasm to make RMR a strong region and provide more benefits for the members in the region. The RMR Directors are a resource for you to voice your ideas and inputs, and are committed to work with you to increase recognition and contributions of the region. Please do not hesitate to contact a RMR Board Member with your inputs (see www.asprs-rmr.org for contact information).

According to those of us who use "real math," year 2001 commences the New Millennium. So welcome to the 21st Century, the New Millennium, the Age of Aquarius, or Y2K+1. Any way you cut it, year 2001 is a benchmark year for our industry and for our professional society, ASPRS-RMR. I have outlined many exciting activities underway and planned for this year. The bottom line is our region is the place to be. Let the collaboration and partnerships begin! 2001, a Spatial Odyssey.

Jeff Liedtke, President ASPRS-RMR
303-682-4983
jliedtke@digitalglobe.com

What do I mean? For almost fourteen years I have served on the Rocky Mountain Region ASPRS Board. I started out as Newsletter Editor for three years, moved up to Secretary- Treasurer for two years, Vice-President, President, Past-President, Regional Director for one year, and last, National Director for four years. In that time span I have worked with many dedicated individuals who have kept the Rocky Mountain Region a strong representative on the National ASPRS Board. Effective December 31, 2000, I passed the torch for National Director to Allen Cook. He has supported the Rocky Mountain Region in the past few years and it was felt by the entire 2001 board he would be able to fill this position quite well.

When I first started out with the Rocky Mountain Region board, most of the representatives were from the U.S. Geological Survey (where I work). I am heartened to see as the years have passed that more and more board members are from private companies within the boundaries of Colorado (we have had one Regional Director who represents the New Mexico area of our region). We still have a strong student chapter to which Roger Hoffer (CSU) has faithfully dedicated himself to recruiting new members every year and I acknowledge all his hard work.

Personally I want to thank all those individuals who have supported the Rocky Mountain Region by faithfully attending the tours, dinners, and other events we have sponsored in the past 14 years. I am embarking on a new career path which will allow me to do what I have always wanted, to teach. It has been a difficult decision to leave a career with good friends and trusted colleagues to start over in another profession, but I feel now is the time for me to make a difference in this new field. Allen will provide strong leadership in the role of National Director so I feel I am leaving you in capable hands. All the board members for the 2001 ASPRS Board are dedicated and active members of the Rocky Mountain Region which will also provide Allen with the support he needs to be successful. KEEP THE TORCH BURNING>>>>VOLUNTEER TO ASSIST THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION IN ALL THEIR 2001 EVENTS!!

Signing off for the last time, - Becky Bottlemy

First Place: The Potomac Region

First Honorable Mention: The Rocky Mountain Region

Second Honorable Mention: The North Atlantic Region

Purpose: The Region of the Year Award was established in 1968 to recognize excellence at the regional level in providing service to the members and to the profession at large.

Donor: ASPRS: The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society

The Potomac Region is The Region of the Year Award winner for the year 2000. It is our largest region and for years has been a flagship of the Society. This Region has been diligent in their efforts to maintain the high standards of the society while promoting an even greater level of understanding and progress in the field. Accept our standing ovation!

The Rocky Mountain Region has been selected as First Honorable Mention. Through Scholarships, GIS in the Rockies, Membership promotion and retention, it has given its members a reason to be proud of its progress in the imaging and geospatial community. Three Cheers for a job well done!

The North Atlantic Region has received Second Honorable Mention. For years, this region has strived for excellence. It has stayed committed to the goals of the society and constantly strives to keep its members abreast of progress in the field. The rapport between the Region and its members through career networking, social events and member recognition has always been exemplary. Our hats are off to The North Atlantic Region!

First Place: The Rocky Mountain Region

Second Place: The Potomac Region

Third Place: The Central Region

Purpose: The Society first bestowed this award in 1980 to recognize excellence of the Region in providing service to the members and to the profession at large through the publication of a newsletter.

Donor: ASPRS: The Imaging & Geospatial Information Society

The Rocky Mountain Region is the First Place winner of The Newsletter of the Year Award. Rocky Mountain has always maintained a consistently high level of involvement with the Society and its publication reflects the dedication to its members by reporting the pertinent facts in a concise yet informative manner!

The Potomac Region is the Second Place winner. Potomac Region never fails to convey to its membership all of the important notifications, timely topics of regional as well as national Society news.

The Third Place Winner is the Central Region. Formerly the Rolla Region, The Central Region's publication does a great job of informing its members of upcoming events, and region and chapter news in a forthright manner that makes it an easy read.

Professor Jack Estes, long-time leader in the Remote Sensing community based at the University of California at Santa Barbara Dept. of Geography, passed away on March 9 after a four-week battle with liver cancer.

The sad news came from Keith Clarke, Chair of the Geography Dept. at UCSB: "Jack's death leaves a massive gap in the world community of Remote Sensing and mapping that will be felt forever. Over his career he led a large number of students through their graduate degrees, placing them in the most prestigious government and academic settings in the world. Jack was recently honored with a lifetime achievement award by the AAG, and was about to be so honored by NASA."

Jim Plasker, ASPRS Executive Director, had this to say: "Jack leaves a very positive legacy in our community--one that will bear fruit for a long time to come. We will prepare an In Memoriam column for PE&RS. … When the details of the Estes Fellowship are available we will also pass those along. On a personal note, I had the opportunity to work with Jack during his year-long sabbatical assignment with NASA and USGS in the mid-90's. He was one of the most knowledgeable yet personable individuals I had the privilege of working with, and always took time to share his insights into the community. He will be missed by many throughout the world."

Ian McHarg, 80, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania for more than 40 years whose groundbreaking ideas on the environment helped transform the way development occurs, died in March of pulmonary disease at Chester County Hospital.

"He was an extraordinary figure," said G. Holmes Perkins, a former dean of Penn's architecture school who hired Mr. McHarg to create a landscape architecture department in 1954. "He gave the field a new lease on life by making the world aware of the environmental impact of development."

In 1969, the publication of his book, Design With Nature, exhorted designers to conform to, rather than compete with, nature. His method is the basis for computer-run Geographic Information Systems, an essential tool for today's urban planners.

"He took the field and turned it into an exciting discipline," said Carol Franklin, a student of Mr. McHarg's in the 1960s and now a principal of Andropogon Associates Ltd., of Philadelphia. "He changed the globe's way of thinking about landscape." His books, his role as host of the 1960s CBS-TV show "The House We Live In," and his teaching at Penn have all helped spread his message. "Today," Franklin said, "architects and planners throughout the world incorporate his ideas in their work."

John Parker, long-time ASPRS member and former student chapter organizer, has been appointed to the Board of Directors as the new Vice President. John was selected by e-mail election after a recent Board meeting in a runoff between three nominees. The other candidates were Jaymes Pardue of Space Imaging and Stella Todd of Colorado State University. The Board welcomes Jaymes' and Stella's participation on the committee to organize the "GIS in the Rockies" Conference as well as the 2004 ASPRS Convention in Denver. John Parker is employed by LH Systems. He replaces Bob Wright, who is on his way to the Pacific Northwest area to pursue a new opportunity. Bob was active in the Portland, Oregon chapter of ASPRS before moving to Colorado to go to work for EarthWatch within the last few years. We appreciate Bob's service to the Board as Secretary during 2000, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

LH Systems of Englewood, Colorado is a leading supplier of systems for the acquisition, processing and maintenance of precise information from imagery. The main application of this technology is the generation of geographic information from aerial photography and satellite imagery using photogrammetry. LH Systems' products include aerial sensors - both film aerial cameras and the new ADS40 Airborne Digital Sensor - stereoscopes, high performance scanners, analytical plotters and digital photogrammetric workstations. LH Systems also offers a wide range of photogrammetric software, including "SOCET SET" for digital photogrammetric workstations. Aerial sensor systems can be supplemented further with products for flight planning and navigation, and for post-processing of airborne GPS data.

LH Systems staff were gracious hosts to 15 people who attended this tour on Feb. 15. The group was given a presentation on the full range of LH Systems solutions for the acquisition, processing and maintenance of precise geographic information from aerial photography and satellite imagery with emphasis on using photogrammetry technology. Attendees were shown the latest LH Systems solutions, including the new ADS40, the DSW 500, and SOCET SET. The ADS40 (Airborne Digital Sensor) is an exciting new product that exploits the three-line-scanner principle into an airborne data acquisition system. The development of the ADS40 is a joint effort between LH Systems and Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center - DLR). Long linear CCD arrays deliver data from three panchromatic (simultaneous forward, nadir and aft view) and four multispectral bands. Co-registration of the multispectral bands is achieved using a special trichroid filter. A specially designed Position and Orientation System from Applanix Corporation ensures successful post-processing of the imagery. A removable mass memory system records data from several hours' flight: 12 bits, high signal-to-noise ratio, large dynamic range.

Next, the DSW500 film scanner was demonstrated, followed by a SOCET SET and DSW200 demo. The DSW200 and DSW500 are both high precision transparent film (negatives or positives) scanners. The DSW200 handles cut film only and is no longer being manufactured by LH Systems. The DSW500 incorporates a roll film mechanism for automatic roll film scanning and has replaced the earlier DSW200 and DSW300 film scanners models. The SOCET SET demonstration covered the digital photogrammetric software package developed by BAE Systems (one of the parents of LH Systems). It is capable of handling photogrammetric operations such as digital orthophotos for land use planning, transportation analysis, Department of Defense applications; and creation of perspective scenes utilizing 3D analysis functions for telecommunications and highway design and simulations. SOCET SET also handles a wide variety of sensors. Stereo imagery of Denver was viewed and exploited using the Stereographics Z-Screen and circularly polarized glasses. Several different image sources were displayed in stereo over Denver. These co-registered (triangulated) images included SPOT, IRS1C (monoscopic), RadarSAT, vertical color film, and oblique color film. Stereo IKONOS images of San Diego from Space Imaging were also viewed and exploited. After the technical presentations, the group enjoyed complimentary beverages and snacks.

[Note: This was to have been a dual tour, but ZI Imaging was forced to cancel their tour at the last minute due to late arrival of demo equipment.]

Jim Jensen, ERDAS, Inc.
Larry Liebrecht, University of Denver

The RMR is excited to announce a joint program with ASPRS for member contributions to the ASPRS headquarters building in Bethesda, Maryland. Contributions will be used to reduce the principle on the mortgage, allowing more funds to be used for programs to benefit the general membership, rather than servicing the debt.

Here is how it works: RMR will match any ASPRS-RMR member contribution to the ASPRS Building Fund, up to $1,500, cumulative. ASPRS will then match the increased contribution. For example, a $100 RMR member contribution to the Building Fund will be matched by RMR, resulting in a $200 contribution to ASPRS. ASPRS will then match the $200 contribution, culminating in a total contribution to the ASPRS Building fund of $400. The net result is a quadrupling of your contribution! And remember, your contribution to the Building Fund is tax deductible. The RMR will work with ASPRS to ensure that your contribution to the Building Fund is properly tracked and attributed to you.

Please make checks payable to the ASPRS Building Fund and mail them to: ASPRS-RMR
P.O. Box 280834
Lakewood, CO 80228

Our Annual Dinner Meeting was held at Jester's Dinner Theatre in Longmont on the snowy night of January 27. The attendance is growing steadily for these gatherings - this time we had 36! Must be because we have so much fun and the word is getting out.

Outgoing President Rob Eadie conducted the meeting by recounting the major events of 2000, particularly the "GIS in the Rockies" conference, which was a huge success, as well as the annual meeting and technical tour of Jeppesen. Rob was especially proud of our successful bid to host the 2004 National ASPRS Conference. He announced the new officers and they came up on stage to be sworn in by Dr. Roger Hoffer, professor at Colorado State University and former National ASPRS President. Rob also presented awards for distinguished service to Becky Bottlemy, outgoing National Director, Scott Bennett, Regional Director, for his work in organizing the "GIS in the Rockies" Conference, and Sheila Pelczarski, Communications Coordinator, for coordinating the newsletter and web site and helping organize the technical program at "GIS in the Rockies."

Next it was incoming President Jeff Liedtke's turn to speak about his intentions and hopes for this year. He then presented two scholarships for 2000, one to undergraduate Seth Kovanic and the other to graduate student Kathleen Dudek, both of the Forest Science Department at CSU. Both winners attended as guests of the Region and spoke a short while about their work, as well as how much they appreciated the awards.

Becky Bottlemy spoke about her experience as National Director for the past several years. She has resigned to pursue a career in teaching elementary school students. She is student teaching this semester and enjoying it very much so far. She'll continue to be in touch although not quite as active on the Board of Directors. We'll sure miss Becky's presence at those Board meetings! Newly appointed National Director Allen Cook spoke next about his hopes for the position, particularly in light of the 2004 National Conference opportunity.

Dinner was very enjoyable and was served by the student actors of Jester's School of the Performing Arts. The show was, as always, the highlight of the evening. "Nuncrackers" was a comedy spoof about a Catholic convent that was producing a TV show during the Christmas season for fundraising purposes. It was a delightful, absolutely hilarious performance. From the zany talent skits and "altered" Christmas carols to the Catholic version of the Home Shoppers Network, Mother Superior always doing her best to keep the sisters in line, one of whom was quite out of her mind but refreshingly candid and truly entertaining.