ASA/MSU Techlink, a new NASA technology commercialization center at Montana State University­Bozeman, has brokered its first technology transfer agreement. This agreement is between a Montana high-tech firm and NASA's Stennis Space Center to jointly develop software to correct image-related problems in aerial and satellite imagery using existing NASA algorithms.

Engineers from Positive Systems of Whitefish, Montana, hope to develop software that would work with existing high-resolution computer processing to reconcile different image intensities caused by continuously changing sun angles, which can lead to false interpretation. The entire remote-sensing industry could benefit from the solution, according to Positive Systems vice president Cody Benkelman.

Positive Systems produces high ground-resolution airborne imaging systems that acquire digital images rather than the film-based photos of conventional aerial photography, allowing ease of analysis by computer for a wide variety of contracted clients. "Through computer processing, we can clearly recognize objects on Earth that may be less than one meter in size," Benkelman said.

Established a year ago with the help of Montana Senator Conrad Burns, NASA/MSU Techlink makes it easier to transfer NASA and other federally developed know-how to companies in Montana and surrounding states.

For more information, contact Peter Perna at NASA/MSU Techlink Center.
Call406/994-6687 Email: pperna@montana.edu

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