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RE: (meteorobs) computers and visual meteor observing



The computer is a tool, not the observer and tools are typically designed 
to do a TASK. So what we need is a computer to remember the entries and 
provide the easy most direct way to record information. Whether you record 
to a piece of paper or a touch screen sky map the plotting will be the 
same. The tool only changes the ability to record more. By creating a 
system that commits to RAM/ or hard drive what would other wise be put on 
paper we ensure that the data is recorded as accurately as possible, as the 
time is now not an issue. The software would be programmed to enter system 
time. With technology advancing as it is we need the minds (collective) and 
ideas of all to stimulate someone into adapting known technology.
There will always be paper and pencil as there is today for word 
processing. The computer did not change writing, it only provided a 
mechanism to get a task done in an efficient way and save trees.
All the arguments I have read here have merit. However arguments are only 
invitations for discovery and innovation. I hope to see a digital skymap 
with touch screen entry soon. I see it as inevitable.

Marji Booker


----------
From: 	GeoZay@AOLdot com[SMTP:GeoZay@AOLdot com]
Sent: 	Sunday, August 04, 1996 12:48 PM
To: 	meteorobs@latradedot com
Subject: 	Re: (meteorobs) computers and visual meteor observing

In a message dated 96-08-03 15:32:55 EDT, you write:

<< As for George's comment that the old-fashioned plotting of meteors is
 probably just as fast and accurate as the digital kind, I'd have to agree,
 with present technology. However, the *archiving and analysis* of plotting
 data COULD BE a whole lot easier with digitized plots, couldn't it? I 
guess
 the digipad would be one alternative to consider, e.g. vs. getting folks 
to
 scan their paper plots...

 Lew
  >>
-------
Lew,
I think there will be a lot of difficulties in getting good plots using the
method that's being kicked around with the computer. No doubt the digipad
would be quicker to get what is recorded in the field...if developed...But
this method is only as good as the individual who does the visual sighting
and transferring that data to some recording means. If you are fumbling
around to find the keys and getting setup to type in the info.... along 
with
other distractions that will easily make you forget at just what spot did
that meteor appear and disappear, you are going to have lots of bad data.
What good is it to have data entered for archiving and analysis quicker if
the data is of lesser quality? The idea is to get the plot down as 
accurately
as possible and then at leisure the data can be entered into the computer.
The only way I can see that the computer will ever have an advantage here 
is
if the computer had some way of recording it automatically what  a computer
sensor system actually see's. Thus by passing the visual observer entirely.
 If you can't somehow by-pass the individual who normally does the 
plotting,
I think you are wasting your time. This now seems to go back to 
photographic
equipment...perhaps a video system would be a workable place to match up 
such
a system? Before anyone designs anything like this, I think it will save 
you
a lot of work in the long run by learning how to plot and doing it quite
extensively for at least a year (about 100 hours worth of effort for
experience). You will then see what kind of problems you are going to face.
Sounds like you are trying to design something without having a clue as to
what is really involved. I mentioned somewhere in a previous message about
manually plotting and the computer method that's being discussed is just as
accurate.  With more thought on this, I'll have to revise my thinking to 
say
that I don't think the computer will ever be better than the manual plotter
as long as the human element is still there to make the ultimate decisions. 
I
base this simply on the apparent increase of distractions (that is 
different
things to do that will cause your mind to think about other than what you 
are
trying to remember to record...namely, just where was that meteor actually
at? etc.
GeorgeZ.




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