The Scientific Assessment and Strategy Team (SAST) is a group of 16 scientists and engineers representing the following Federal agencies: EPA, USGS, USF&W, FEMA, USDA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The SAST was formed in response to the devastating flooding of the summer of 1993. After White House authorization, the SAST was established to study alternative plans for managing flood control on the upper Mississippi River Basin. Of particular interest is the reoccurring debate involving the use of levees versus natural floodplain management. As a result, this video outlines the work of the SAST during its 6-to-8 use of facilities and exertise of the USGS/NMD/EROS Data Center. Through the use of interviews and computer screen dumps (3-D models and images), the video features SAST objectives and overall goals, why the group used USGS/NMD facilities at EDC, how the Assessment team went about its work, and what will become of the group's work.

S-PLUS - An Introduction to Intelligent Data Analysis
[19 minutes, StatSci]

This video demonstates S-PLUS, an interactive programming environment for data analysis and graphics. Unlike many statistical software packages, SPLUS was designed specifically with an emphasis on interactive and visual capabilities such as those available on computer workstations. In addition to classical statistical methods, S-PLUS includes modern data analysis techniques such as data visualization, robust methods, and mathematical computing. A case study illustrating how many of these features can be used is presented.