Vernon
it was winding down and it was pretty apparent that people were going to have to leave
there. I felt strongly that it would be much better if I left on my own choice than for them
to tell me where I was going to go.
Q ..
That's always true, isn't it?
A
It usually turns out better that way.
Orbiting Environmental Satellite (GOES)
Q ..
Let me ask you a question about the impact on new technology. We talked a little bit
about computers and how much they affected what the hydrologist does. How about
things like remote sensing and satellites that came in in the
and
A
Well, I think the hydrology and hydraulics type people were one of the early users of
remote sensing. One of the areas that got some of the early work in that endeavor was
New England Division and their water control management activities using satellite relay
for transmitting ground data from sensors, such as temperature and water levels and
and things like that were transmitted to the division water control center which
made operating decisions. Well, they had fixed operating procedures but knowing what
is happening, why then they can make the proper moves in terms of gate openings and that
sort of thing.
But, I'm trying to remember right off hand. There were different satellites that were being
used, GOES was the more versatile satellite. But, I was trying to think of the name of the
earlier satellite they were using that was fixed in its orbit so that they had to get their data
at certain times because the orbit of the satellite was fixed so that it didn't vary too much.
Q ..
It wouldn't move you mean, it was just permanent.
A
Whereas GOES had a different track type thing, and it was easier to pick up
from it. Anyway, there were two or three of those satellites so that with the GOES
satellites you could get information almost any time. There was one in position so that
you could use them almost all the time. But, information would go up to the satellite and
be rebounded to a mechanism in the water--well, what they were doing at first in some
places was going to the--I'm trying to remember this stuff, it's been awhile since--but it
went to another agency, the space agency.
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