Computing PPN Publishes Newsletter

The Computing Professional Practice Network (PPN) has just published its September 2007 newsletter. In it, Cochair Chris Thompson, ASLA, encourages ASLA members interested in the intersection between computing and landscape architecture to attend the Computing PPN meeting in San Francisco. There are some computing issues, such as the division between “Mac people” and “PC people,” that will never disappear, says Thompson. Discussing the pros and cons of each can be fruitful, however, and may eventually lead to bridging the gap between the two.

Richard D. Powers, ASLA, in an article on GPS as a design tool, walks readers through the basics of how GPS technology works and its uses for the design community. Some examples of the kind of data that GPS can provide include line data for laying out trails, boardwalks, and bike paths; point, line, and polygon data to map and lay out wetland and streambank restoration projects or locations and attributes of threatened and endangered species; data on location, condition, and other attributes of street trees; and location of utilities such as transformers and water meters.

Joe Blalock, ASLA, in an article titled “When is Good ‘Good Enough’?” reports on an informal survey of Computing PPN members, conducted over the group’s Listserv. The first set of questions focused on the technology members were using in their work. The second set of questions had to do with the limitations and acceptance of technology both within the office and by clients. It was the second set of questions that yielded responses that were something of a surprise to Blalock. He then considers the implications of resistance to technology that comes not from clients but from within landscape architecture firms.

To view the Computing PPN’s 2007 newsletter, go to http://host.asla.org/groups/cpigroup/Computing_07.pdf.

To learn more about the Computing PPN, visit
http://host.asla.org/groups/cpigroup/index.cfm.

The Computing PPN will meet at the 2007 Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 6, from 10 to 11:30 AM in the Moscone Center. You do not have to be a PPN member to attend the meeting!