The Computer Software Scene is interested in sponsoring a symposium
on Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and other software tools for
improving the usability of agricultural simulation models.
 
The symposium title will be
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS FOR AGRICULTURAL SIMULATION MODELS.
 
Papers should focus on or be related to:
- system requirements from different groups of users
- assessment of customer needs and customer satisfaction
- customizing interfaces for needs of particular users
- designing and developing GUIs for multiple models
- incorporating agricultural simulation models in decision support
  systems
- developing database managers in support of simulation models and
  of decision support systems
 
We think there would be opportunities for slide/poster presentations on
the issues involved in designing and developing software tools and for
computer demos and posters on specific software tools or projects.
 
There are several GUIs, decision support systems, and database
mamagers for agricultural models already at various stages of
development.  Porbably there are other projects far enough along that
the developers could profit by exchanging ideas in this area with other
developers, model users, and the ASA/CSSA/SSSA membership.
 
We are calling for submissions of papers (slides/posters/demos) for the
ASA/CSSA/SSSA annual meetings in Oct. 26-31, 1997 in Anaheim,
California requesting suggestions of possible keynote speakers.
 
Suggestions for keynote speakers should be sent by email, mail, fax, or
phone to:
Phil McClean
Dept. of Plant Sciences
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND 58105
Phone: 701/231-8443
Fax: 701/231-8474
[log in to unmask]
 
Forms for submitting papers to the meetings can be obtained by
sending e-mail to: [log in to unmask]
 
Titles and Summaries of papers must be received at ASA Headquarters
by March 20, 1997.  One of the authors of a paper must be a member of
the ASA/CSSA/SSSA or an invited speaker.
 
The ASA/CSSA/SSSA homepage may be accessed at
http://www.agronomy.org
 
from: Tom Hodges, [log in to unmask]