Briefly …

U.S. construction spending rose 0.3% in November to a $843.2 billion rate, according to the Commerce Dept. The surprise gain follows an upwardly revised figure for October, and may result in more optimistic estimates for the fourth quarter of 2002.

Wireless Internet access may pose a threat to the functioning of military radar, say U.S. Dept. of Defense officials who are seeking limits on the use of a new technology known as WiFi systems. Industry executives, however, argue that new frequency sharing techniques will safeguard against the possibility.

Technology Roadmap for Intelligent Buildings has been officially released by the Continental Automated Buildings Assn., Ottawa, Ontario. The collaborative research project between industry and the Canadian government focuses on intelligent building technologies in commercial, institutional and high-rise residential buildings. TRMs are intended to help firms identify and develop building automation options.

Raising Public Awareness of Engineering, a recently released study by the National Academy of Engineering, Washington, D.C., identifies various agencies, organizations and firms that are working to increase public awareness of and appreciation for engineering. The study suggests that the continuing success of this mission will depend on a coordinated effort by these groups.