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AP-189 Digital Video Demonstrations and Technologies
Demonstrating Latest Communication Technologies

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FHWA decided to explore video conferencing in 1995 as an alternative to the high cost of traveling to meetings. It was quickly found that video conferencing is an efficient and expedient way to communicate and share information across the Agency. The obvious benefit of video conferencing is that it saves on travel costs. The FHWA video conferencing network has been operational and continually growing since, with service to most offices now.

The Technology Marketing & Communication team (TMC) of OTA has taken the latest developmental step in video conferencing technology, the use of the desktop (personal computer) video conferencing and data sharing and collaboration among video conferencing units. Data sharing allows employees to simultaneously access and annotate documents. TMC is currently exploring the use of desktop video conferencing as a cost-effective means to extend video conferencing capability to FHWA division offices. In addition we are looking to video conferencing as a means of communicating with state departments of transportation and to deliver internal training courses to FHWA employees (called distance-learning).

OTA Takes Lead in Getting its Point Across with Visual Clarity

Multimedia projectors (LCD projectors) can make all the difference when presenting information to an important audience. OTA and its TMC Team have been, and continue to be a strong proponent of effectively using this multi-media communication technology.

The TMC Team has stayed abreast of the latest equipment developments, and offers advice and guidance as well as equipment-on-loan to other FHWA offices in this vital information exchange/presentation area.

Digital Cameras Save Time, Expense, and Provide Valuable Assistance with New Forms of Computer Digital Analysis

The use of digital cameras are rapidly improving the practice of computer assisted analysis of photographs. The digital camera offers the two-fold advantage of completely eliminating the step to digitize film-photographs, which can be time-consuming, and also completely eliminating errors inherent in the digitizing process of a film-photograph which is only a good facsimile at best.

TMC will be working with the Texas Transportation Institute in 1998, to use computer digital video analysis for crash testing evaluations.

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