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This paper reports the results of a field study of the relationship of information flow to the maintainability of COBOL modules in a data processing environment. The study, which considers 238 modules from three different organizations, examines the correlation of information flow metrics and subjective maintainability ratings. Results of the study show that, for the environments included in the study, information flow does have significant correlation with maintainability, and information flow metrics can be used effectively to help identify modules with low (poor) maintainability.

Mississippi State University undertook a remote sensing application project to assist the Mississippi Park Commission in selecting a suitable site for a proposed state park in Adams County, Mississippi. Due to political and geographic constraints, a study area of approximately 130,000 acres was selected. High-altitude color infrared imagery of scale 1 : 120,000 was available, and these data, together with inputs from other sources such as topographic and geologic base maps, yielded the basic data for the construction of a computerized data management system. The cell size for data input was 4 ha. Ten possible areas were selected by modeling and visual evaluation, and after the Commission personnel had selected one site, a low altitude flight was made to obtain 1 : 24,000 color infrared imagery. These data in conjunction with map information were used to develop a data management system for more intensive analysis and modeling on a 1-ha grid. The modeling effort indicated those cells which had the highest suitability for individual recreational activities. Master planning efforts for the park incorporate these data.