(Note taker: Matt Heberling)
Most people were impressed with the presentation given by Wil Orr and Hoyt Johnson from Prescott College. There was some concern about the cost of such a presentation, but new developments in technology over their 5 years of experience have reduced the cost and difficulty of presentations.
They presented a collection of materials to show the potential for this type of visual simulation. Some felt its smorgasbord approach was not appropriate, but Orr and Johnson clarified that their presentations typically focus on the needs of specific groups.
U-Grow, the software package, should be available early next year. Currently, it runs for the average American community; it is not personalized yet for particular communities. However, there is plenty of data available over the internet such as satellite data and GIS data which U-Grow can read, so that much of the presentation can refer to the target area.
Q: This type of presentation deals with complex situations, but the model only shows a few equations. Is there too much oversimplification?
R: Model can be changed to be personalized by a more informed person. Changes can always be made.
Q: Is this type of presentation too entertaining, too much like TV?
R: This set-up can be tailored to the specific group being targeted. It can be more entertaining or it can be made more serious.