University of New Mexico Technology Application Center Records
Collection
Identifier: UNMA-183
Scope and Content Note
The collection includes documents about the beginning of the Technology Application Center at UNM which eventually became the Earth Data Analysis Center. A majority of the collection is about the interdepartmental agreement between TAC and UNM's Zimmerman Library for the development of computerized searching for clients. The collection consists of clippings, publicity and informational literature, reports, TAC newsletters, and some photographs of early TAC events. The documents are arranged alphabetically by material type (clippings, correspondence, publicity materials, reports, and TAC newsletters) and the reports are arranged chronologically.
Dates
- 1965-1988
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Historical Note
The Technology Application Center (TAC) was established in 1964 at the University of New Mexico under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The main goal was to repurpose NASA space-based technology for use in the private and public sectors. The original program was stopped briefly in 1970; however, in 1973 the Board of Education Finance Committee at UNM reviewed the accomplishments of the program and sought state funding from the New Mexico legislature. The legislature approved funds to re-establish the center at the start of the 1974-1975 fiscal year. TAC continued to receive federal funding in the form of grants from NASA, state funding, and money generated through the academic search program with the library. TAC was a program that had an international reach, and one of the major technology focuses was on the use of satellite imagery, or remote sensing, to help countries manage their natural resources in farming, forestry, and land-use planning. TAC was a division of UNM'S Institute for Social Research and Development, and one of six information centers in the United States created by NASA in the 1960s.
In the 1970s, TAC partnered with the Zimmerman Library to conduct computerized searches for industry, business, and UNM users. TAC was also involved with the early remote sensing projects, such as radar and thermal infrared imagery and color infrared photography. In the 1990s, TAC was renamed the Earth Data Analysis Center (EDAC) and over time, the main focus of EDAC became an expertise in geospatial technology. EDAC is an internationally recognized organization, patterning with government agencies, private organizations and regional universities. The mission of EDAC is to serve the spatial needs of these communities by utilizing geospatial technologies and bridging UNM's academic units and the external communities via partnerships.
In the 1970s, TAC partnered with the Zimmerman Library to conduct computerized searches for industry, business, and UNM users. TAC was also involved with the early remote sensing projects, such as radar and thermal infrared imagery and color infrared photography. In the 1990s, TAC was renamed the Earth Data Analysis Center (EDAC) and over time, the main focus of EDAC became an expertise in geospatial technology. EDAC is an internationally recognized organization, patterning with government agencies, private organizations and regional universities. The mission of EDAC is to serve the spatial needs of these communities by utilizing geospatial technologies and bridging UNM's academic units and the external communities via partnerships.
Extent
0.6 Cubic Feet (2 Boxes)
Abstract
The collection includes documents about the beginning of the Technology Application Center at UNM which eventually became the Earth Data Analysis Center. The collection consists of clippings, publicity and informational literature, reports, TAC newsletters, and some photographs of early TAC events.
Processing Information
Processed by Barbara Korbal, June 2018
- Title
- Finding Aid of the University of New Mexico Technology Application Center Records, 1965-1988
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Barbara Korbal
- Date
- © 2018
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451