The DataSlate computer program is being developed to help educators and students gain access to, view, manipulate, and otherwise interact with sets of planetary and other scientific data via the Internet or via local data-storage facilities. DataSlate will be especially useful for displaying coregistered sets of data; for example, a topographical map of a region and a photograph of the same region taken from an aircraft or a satellite. DataSlate, associated software tools, and sets of data will be distributed via the Internet or provided on compact-disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs). The architecture of DataSlate is extensible, so that new software tools and sets of data can be added and educators can design new components of curricula. Sets of data, lesson plans, and software tools can be created by educators and students and uploaded to servers for public use or kept on local computers for private use. The initial development of DataSlate has been a joint project of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and Johns Hopkins University. Both DataSlate and a set of software tools for preparing associated sets of data and curricula are expected to be extended by a team of developers within the next few years. DataSlate will be useful to the scientific community and the general public as well as to the educational community.
This program was written by David S. Hecox of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-3425. Refer to NPO-19911.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Software for Displaying Coregistered Sets of Data
(reference NPO-19911) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the development and features of the DataSlate computer program, a software application designed to facilitate access to and interaction with planetary and scientific data for educators and students. Developed as a collaborative project by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and Johns Hopkins University, DataSlate aims to enhance educational experiences by allowing users to view, manipulate, and engage with various data sets over the Internet or through local storage.
DataSlate is particularly effective in displaying coregistered data sets, such as topographical maps alongside aerial or satellite photographs. This capability enables users to draw meaningful connections between different types of data, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. The program is built on an extensible architecture, allowing for the addition of new software tools and data sets, which educators can use to create customized curricula. Users can also upload their own lesson plans and data sets to public servers or keep them for private use.
The document highlights a sample DataSlate interface, illustrating how users can navigate between different data channels and utilize various tools to complete educational tasks. For instance, a lesson might involve using photographic data to explain geographical phenomena, such as flooding patterns in relation to topography.
DataSlate is expected to be distributed via the Internet or on CD-ROMs, making it accessible to a wide audience, including the scientific community and the general public. The initial development of the program has been funded by CASDE (The Consortium for the Application of Space Data to Education), which focuses on innovative ways for educators and students to utilize space science data.
The document also includes a disclaimer stating that references to specific commercial products or services do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It emphasizes that the work was conducted under NASA's contract and outlines the potential for future extensions and enhancements to the DataSlate application and its associated tools.
In summary, the DataSlate program represents a significant advancement in educational technology, providing a versatile platform for engaging with scientific data and fostering interactive learning experiences.
