Research Activity 1: Data Compression Methods

Purpose: To write a short paper on a commonly used or important data compression format.

Objectives: After this activity you should be able to

• Explain what a data compression format is.
• Understand how to research a data compression method.

Assignment: A compression format is a set of rules for creating a compressed file with a particular kind of data. For example, the JPEG compression format is a standard way to store images. To maintain a standard, usually one group has authority to set the rules, such as the Joint Photographers Expert Group for JPEG. Write a paper of one to two pages, or more as directed by your instructor, on one of the data compression methods below.

• JPEG or GIF. For still images.
• MPEG. For video images.
• MP3. For sound.
• ZIP. For general files.

Less commonly used image compression formats used on the 2004 Mars rovers are ICER (a lossy format) and LOCO-I (a lossless format). These are newer and harder to find information on, but still interesting. Choose these if you are up for a challenge.

You may choose another compression format as approved by your instructor.

You should include in your paper the following elements:

1. What company, agency, group, or other bodies created or maintain the standard.
2. For what kind of data is the format designed? What is its purpose?
3. What advantages does the format have? For what data is it best used?
4. What disadvantages does the format have? For what data does it not work well?
5. A short, informal description of how the method works.