The Dialogue-Assisted Visual Environment for Geoinformation (DAVE_G) is an
interface to the
GIS system that allows people to use
gestures and voice commands to retrieve
maps. It is being developed by researchers from
Pennsylvania State University. The interface is still in its
prototype stage but the first generation of the software can already zoom into an area requested by the user, as well as display information about local landmarks,
hospitals, emergency shelters, and
flooded areas.[1] The software currently uses text displayed on a
terminal to respond to users' input or to ask for confirmation, but eventually it is planned to use speech to respond.[2] As of 2005[update], the team of researchers who developed DAVE_G were preparing a demonstration of the system for the
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that would help the agency to deal with spills of oil or hazardous chemicals.[3]