SRI's Envirotechnical Program assisted the Federal Aviation Administration in installing an Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model 3 (ASDE-3) at Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington, D.C. While the need for an ASDE-3 to prevent runway incursions at DCA was well established, the exact location was controversial. Local planners expressed concern that selected locations at the airport could adversely affect the viewshed of historic buildings in the area, including the historic Terminal A at DCA, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To study this issue, SRI prepared a series of detailed photosimulations showing the appearance of the ASDE-3 tower when viewed from public areas, including the historic terminal building. These photosimulations demonstrated that visual effects would not be significant and the proposed ASDE-3 was approved by the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.

Viewpoints of photo simulations
		Viewpoint D — Exhibit hall at upper level of Terminal A at DCA
		Viewpoint F — Gate 34 of Terminal C at DCA