Computer UFO Newsletter - Vol 3 no 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Computer UFO Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 3, Issue 1
Date: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be around 1992 based on software references (Windows 3.x).
Publisher: The Computer UFO Newsletter
Country: Italy
Language: English

This issue marks the return of "The Computer UFO Newsletter" after a significant silence, with the editor, Maurizio Verga, explaining the hiatus was due to a lack of spare time and available material. The newsletter aims to promote the use of computer technology in UFO research and archive management, acknowledging that many researchers may not yet be utilizing these affordable tools due to a perceived lack of interest, low technical knowledge, or limited imagination in data organization.

Editorial: Back, Once Again!

The editorial emphasizes the newsletter's renewed commitment to fostering computer applications in ufology. It highlights the challenges faced, including limited time and the need for contributions from researchers. The editor calls for suggestions, ideas, and original material to be published. Due to the long interval since the last issue and reduced international contact, this edition primarily focuses on the editor's own activities and projects.

Contents of Vol. 3 Issue 1

• Editorial
• TRACAT (Page 2)
• Archiving Newsclippings (Page 4)
• Software & Research (Page 7)
• PHOTOCAT (Page 8)

TRACAT: The New Version of the Italian Catalogue of Trace Cases

C.I.S.U. (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici), a leading Italian UFO organization, is publishing the third edition of TRACAT. This updated catalogue, covering cases up to 1990, includes extensively revised information and comments. The 150-page manuscript was composed using Ventura Publisher 3.0 and printed on an HP LaserJet III. A key feature is the integration of grayscale photos of physical traces associated with presumed Italian UFO sightings. These photos were scanned at 100 dots per inch using EPSON GT-6000 or CANON COLOUR COPIER 500 scanners, stored in TIFF format for MS-DOS. Image enhancement software like GRAY F/X or IMAGE-IN COLOR can be used for better results. The work was performed on PC-compatible computers (386 CPU, 8 MB RAM, 360 MB Hard Disk, 1024x768 VGA). Approximately 10 Mbytes of images (photos, sketches, drawings) in TIFF format are available on floppy disks. TRACAT integrates this digital image set into a database, allowing researchers quick access to both basic data and photographic documentation. The database itself is managed by SUPERBASE 4.

Archiving Newsclippings

Newsclippings are identified as a poor but abundant source of UFO documentation. Their importance lies in reflecting media coverage, though the information quality is often questionable. The article suggests that computer technology can help manage and protect these collections. It proposes digitizing paper newsclippings and storing them on magnetic or optical media, noting the decreasing cost of storage. The goal is to create simple database records for each newsclipping, including details like newspaper name, date, title, subject, and classification. This allows for quicker retrieval and querying. The article provides an example of a newsclipping record structure, including fields for newspaper name, date, title, subject, classification, and a code linking to a case in another database. It also mentions the possibility of scanning newsclippings using low-cost handheld scanners and associating them with descriptive records. The potential for a comprehensive digital archive is discussed, though the perspective of a massive database might seem daunting.

Software & Research

This section offers hints to readers about MS-DOS software useful for UFO research, covering information management, image processing, and utilities. It acknowledges that many UFO buffs have access to computers but may not know how to leverage them for their hobby. The article focuses on software that is affordable, easy to learn, and potentially free (shareware or public domain).

dBASE III-IV

A well-known database recognized as a de-facto standard for information management in DOS. While its user interface is not intuitive, it allows for custom record structures. Records can include text fields and limited editing tools. Files are easily readable by other programs. Cloned versions like FoxBase 2.0 offer improved performance. A low-end PC is sufficient, though a hard disk is recommended. It has been used by UFO researchers for various databases (case catalogues, mail lists, etc.).

SUPERBASE 4

A graphical database for Windows 3.x, user-friendly and powerful. It can import files from other packages (dBase III-IV, Lotus 1-2-3) and allows records to include multiple external files (images, text). Users can design their own record layouts. It requires a PC with a hard disk, at least 2 MB RAM, and a VGA graphics board. The editor's current UFO databases (ITACAT, TRACAT, and PHOTOCAT) are implemented using Superbase 4.

Image Processing Packages (IMAGEIN COL, PHOTOS-TYLER, PICTURE PUBLISHER, PUBLISHER'S PAINTBRUSH)

These packages are for image processing and "photo retouching." They allow digitizing images (designs, sketches, photos) via grayscale or color scanners and applying advanced functions. They offer techniques similar to those used by the US group G.S.W. in the past to analyze alleged UFO photos. Meaningful analysis of UFO-related pictures is possible with good photographic experience. These programs have heavy hardware requirements (386/486 PC, 40 MB HDD, 4 MB RAM, VGA/SuperVGA).

Graphic File Format Conversion (IMAGEPREP, HIJAAK, PICTURE EZE)

These programs are for converting graphic file formats. While many packages save images in various formats, conversion is often necessary for importing into other applications or for reducing file size for transfer. HIJAAK is mentioned as a tool for this purpose, especially for scanned images.

Compression Utilities (PKZIP, LHA, ARJ, ZOO)

These utilities are essential for reducing the size of image files, which can consume significant disk space. Compression saves memory, allows for easier transfer via modem or floppy disk, and reduces costs. The compression ratio varies depending on the image type, with highly detailed photos yielding lower compression.

PHOTOCAT

This is the latest project by the editor, focusing on the controversial documentation of alleged UFO phenomena: photographs. A large quantity of UFO pictures exists in Italy, but a systematic collection has been lacking. PHOTOCAT aims to preserve this material, which is often damaged or lost, and provide future researchers with easy access to photographic evidence. The project is a database built on SUPERBASE 4, containing approximately 430 cases (estimated to reach 500), each stored as a record. While some cases have minimal information, cross-checking with the Italian Centre for UFO Studies is underway to gather more details. The database allows for up to three different pictures per entry, though some rare cases may have more. The project's goal is not photographic analysis but to provide an accessible tool for viewing evidence and related case figures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the integration of computer technology into UFO research. The newsletter advocates for the use of databases, digital archiving, and image processing to manage and analyze UFO-related information. The editorial stance is one of encouragement and collaboration, urging researchers to share their experiences and contribute material. There is a clear emphasis on practical, accessible solutions for hobbyists and researchers, particularly those working with limited resources. The newsletter positions itself as a platform for sharing knowledge and promoting advancements in the field of computer-assisted ufology.

Title: The Computer UFO Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 3 n. 1
Date: Approximately 1990 (inferred from volume and issue numbering, and content context)
Publisher: The Computer UFO Newsletter
Country: Italy (inferred from location mentioned)
Language: English

This issue of The Computer UFO Newsletter focuses on the technical aspects of UFO research, particularly concerning the digitization and analysis of photographic evidence. It details ongoing projects and services aimed at cataloging and making accessible a growing archive of UFO-related images.

Projects in Photographic Analysis

The newsletter discusses projects dedicated to in-depth analyses of photographic UFO cases. These projects require advanced hardware and software to scan images at high or very high resolutions (from 300 dots per inch) and process them using specialized programs. The goal is to provide original prints and full details about the camera and film used in these cases.

One future project mentioned is the production of a written catalogue of Italian photographic cases. This catalogue will be a low-cost amateur publication, summarizing each case and including a print of the related photograph, likely produced using a normal laser printer rather than traditional press.

Scanning Service for Researchers

A significant portion of the content is dedicated to a "Scanning Service" offered to international researchers. This service allows individuals to have their photographic UFO material scanned into computer form for later use in special projects. The service aims to help researchers preserve their valuable documentation and utilize it in conjunction with computer programs. Analyses on photos of alleged UFO phenomena can also be accomplished upon request.

The newsletter highlights the potential for creating visual databases, using the example of a computer picture catalogue of the famous British "crop circles." Such a database could facilitate quick and cheap circulation of information among interested UFO enthusiasts via magnetic media or printed paper.

The costs for this scanning service are minimal, covering only the expenses of floppy disks and postage, estimated at roughly 3.50 US $ per disk. Researchers are instructed to contact the Editor for further details and are advised to mail their material by registered letter only. After computer processing, the material will be returned.

PHOTOCAT Database and Image Handling

The newsletter provides details about the PHOTOCAT database, which contains scanned images of UFO cases. Most of these pictures have been scanned at a relatively low resolution, typically ranging between 75 and 100 dpi. This resolution is considered sufficient for good image quality while significantly reducing the memory space required on disk.

The database features powerful query functions, enabling users to quickly browse entries. For instance, it is possible to find and display all cases from a specific year that refer to nocturnal lights photos within seconds.

All digitized images associated with PHOTOCAT are stored in the TIFF standard graphic format. The database is substantial, currently amounting to 25 MBytes, with the figure expected to increase rapidly. This large volume of data can be utilized by other applications as well. Macintosh users who can read MS-DOS diskettes could potentially interact with the data.

Key Incidents and Locations Mentioned

While specific detailed incidents are not the primary focus, the context implies the analysis of photographic cases. The location "Montesilvano" in Italy is mentioned in relation to a scanned record and its associated TIFF grey scale image, dated 27/04/61 (DATE 610427) and scanned on 22/04/62 (SCAN SOURCE DON 22/4/62).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the technological advancement of UFO research, emphasizing the importance of photographic evidence and the role of computers and digital imaging. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting accessible and collaborative research, encouraging the sharing of data and the development of tools that can aid the UFO community. The newsletter positions itself as a facilitator for researchers, offering practical services and information to advance the field.