dg.o 2007

Field Trips

Wednesday, May 23, 2007, 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Avencia Incorporated

Avencia Incorporated specializes in web-based geographic analysis and modeling applications for government (local, state and federal), non-profit and academic clients. They develop innovative, web-based software, web services and products that use mapping technologies and geography to solve complex, interesting, and novel problems.  Although they have particular expertise in natural resource planning, economic development, crime analysis, real estate property analysis, and cultural resources, they are also engaged in a wide range of other projects. Their goal is to make a difference by promoting the emergence of more dynamic, vibrant communities through geographic information technologies.

Developers will speak about and demonstrate several innovative projects with government, including:

• Crime Spike Detector - a spatial data mining application that serves as a crime early warning system.

• PhillyHistory.org

• PocketCulture

• Kaleidocade Indicators Framework - latest implementation is for federal juvenile justice application

• DecisionMaps - business/economic development application

• Cicero - an XML web service for geocoding and then looking up legislators and districts at local, state and federal levels as well as school districts

http://www.avencia.com/

University of Pennsylvania Cartographic Modeling Lab

The Cartographic Modeling Lab, a joint venture between the School Of Design and the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, brings together faculty members and students across disciplines to collaborate on spatial research.  The CML specializes in Geographic Information System (GIS) projects, with an emphasis on data integration, application development, and spatial analysis.  Current projects span a wide variety of topics, including public safety, social welfare, children and youth, housing, homelessness, the environment, public education, public health and political science.

Visitors to CML will see demos and have time for discussion and hands-on experience with the following projects:

• Neighborhood Information System -- CML’s web-based property and social indicators information system.

• Virtual University City -- CML’s interactive 3-D model of the University of Pennsylvania.

• SimWalk -- Pedestrian simulation software we used to assist the University in evacuation planning for commencement exercises.

• SNACK -- Customized application to be used on hand-held computers for a study on food habits of children in Philadelphia.

http://cml.upenn.edu/

SEPTA Control Center
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

On February 18, 1964, the Pennsylvania General Assembly established the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to provide public transit services for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.

See today’s state-of-art control center at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).  See how SEPTA controls bus, subway, high speed rail, trackless trolley, Regional Rail and Paratransit vehicles using some of latest technology. SEPTA is one of only two truly multi-modal transit properties in the United States (Boston is the other). SEPTA is the nation’s fifth largest public transportation system, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region.

http://www.septa.org/

National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center, located at 525 Arch St. on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of the U.S. Constitution and its relevance to Americans’ daily lives.  Opened on July 3, 2003, the museum dramatically tells the story of the Constitution from Revolutionary times to the present through more than 100 interactive, multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture and artifacts. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, which serves as the hub for national constitutional education and debates, and as a home for visiting scholars.

The tour will include a viewing of "Freedom Rising," an award-winning, multimedia presentation featuring a live actor, film and video projection. Here you will be oriented to the major themes of the Constitution from 1787 to the present day. Steve Frank, Vice President of Education and Exhibits, will meet with the group and provide a "behind the scenes" look at how the Center was developed and the role of technology in the exhibits.

http://www.constitutioncenter.org/