217 Geoscience Information/Communication (Posters)

A WIRELESS DIGITAL COMPASS FOR FIELD GEOLOGY

Paper number: 217-4
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

A wireless digital compass is being built as part of the Digital Field Geology system under development at MIT. The wireless digital compass permits measurement of the linear and planar orientation of geologic features, and improves upon the mechanical compass by automating the data collection process, facilitating the translation of orientation data to a geographical information system, and encouraging the collection of multiple measurements. We are using the wireless digital compass and other wireless-enabled instruments including digital cameras, to permit students, instructors, and professionals to focus on critical thinking and data analysis -not data collection- while at the outcrop.

The wireless digital compass allows multiple orientation measurements to be collected quickly and easily at a given location. Data can be read off the display or sent wirelessly to a hand-held computer where the data can be automatically stored in a geographical information system database and can be associated with the current position. The wireless digital compass can also permit data collection in situations of limited mobility such as while taking a measurement at a hard to reach location, or while enabling a person of limited mobility to make a measurement without needing to directly read a small display on the device.

Design and implementation issues include custom software development, wireless data transmission hardware integration, a simple user interface including visual feedback, ergonomic form factor, and a rugged weatherproof package. Technical details as well as a hardware demonstration will be presented.

Supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (C. E. Carr) and NSF grant GEO-0122111.