The production of Looking Back, the book, and its companion CD-ROM "Auswatch" in 1992, was a team effort. This CD-ROM is a reproduction of the work of that team, and the principal author's remarks are repeated here in appreciation of their efforts.
Dean Graetz set up the project and wrote the text. The opinions offered are his and not those of CSIRO.
Rohan Fisher laboured long and hard at his workstation to process the megabytes of satellite image data. Between the exciting periods of achievement, there were long intervals of meticulous and painstaking toil. Rohan believed wholeheartedly in the project and wanted the story in each satellite image to be obvious to the reader. Finally, on his Macintosh, he designed and completed the layout of the original book.
Murray Wilson worked quietly and steadily in the background ensuring that hardware or software were never limiting and that the translation of digital data to colourful and information-rich images on the printed page was of the highest quality. Murray's calm guidance on all matters during periodic times of stress and catastrophe was constantly available and always appreciated. He combined with Rohan Fisher to compile the companion CD-ROM. In addition, and in their own time, Murray and his son Stephen wrote the software, "Auswatch" for users to interactively explore the wonders of satellite data.
All three of us to enjoyed the support of our colleagues within CSIRO Division of Wildlife & Ecology. All were believers in the cause and all gave freely of their time and expertise. In particular, Graeme Chapman, Susan Campbell, Michele Barson and Graeme Caughley have our appreciation. We also thank SPOT Imaging Services for permission to use Spot image data in the book.
Many of the satellite images were obtained from the Australian Centre for Remote Sensing in Canberra. ACRES' staff were extremely professional and helpful during the painstaking selection of these images.
Ultimately, we acknowledge Jeff Kingwell and Graham Harris of CSIRO Office of Space Science and Applications, Canberra, for their enthusiasm and material support of the study. The book and associated CD-ROM, the products of the ISY Australian Case Study, were generously supported by the then Australian Space Office of the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce. We applaud that support.
To all those who contributed, we give our appreciation for your cooperation and support.
Dean Graetz
Rohan Fisher
Murray Wilson
CSIRO, Wildlife & Ecology
Canberra.
November, 1992.