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Re: (meteorobs) computers and visual meteor observing

Just my nickel.... All I can say George, is don't underestimate the future 
innovations.
Were a gnomic digital startchart properly mounted, there would almost be no 
difference from paper plotting, IF PERFECTED. I can also envision, after 
plotting the postion, just having an area to point at with your *pencil* 
with magnitudes listed, just touch the +4 box, spped, touch the 3 box, etc.
	I'm not trying to say such a thing would be easy, and realize that 
only an experienced plotter would be able to design  a useful sysyem, but 
do not sell the future short. Whoulda thunk back when we were 
younger....say the Moon landing...that a tool such as this maillist could 
exist. Imagine these discussions taking place my snail mail. Or even the 
NAMN itself. Impossible! Think how far computers have moved in those years. 
Now project that rate into the future. Impossible it isn't! Difficult it 
is. Challenges are welcome. Now if I can just win the lottery, I'll work on 
it :-)
	Wayne
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Original Text
From GeoZay@aoldot com, on 8/5/96 10:08 AM:
To: <meteorobs@latradedot com>

In a message dated 96-08-05 08:00:03 EDT, you write:

<< 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 >>
------
Marji,
I don't see this as an inevitable item.  As long as the device requires a
human to operate , It won't be as accurate as the human could do with 
charts
and a pencil. You need to go out there and try it first with a pencil and
paper to see what little nuances that will create problems.  I can think of 
a
lot that I can't even put into words. With the proposed digital system, you
are still relying on the human observer to record the data...but the more
things you got to think about that one would normally assume to be nothing,
the more likely you are going to error with the data going into the 
computer
about the plot. Just repositing the keyboard in one's lap or stomach while
trying to type or do whatever you do is a major distraction, when you are
trying to hold fleeting info in your head is a major thought changing
process.  I think you will save yourself a lot of work if you go out and 
try
plotting for a while. 
George Z.