Bad Elf GPS

Intro:

The purpose of this assignment was to use the IOS app Bad Elf GPS pro and a Bad Elf GPS receiver, accurate up to 2.5 meters, to track a route that was taken around campus. This route was then converted into a GPX and KLM dataset and uploaded into ArcMap to be mapped. The Bad Elf GPS unit is able to connect to an Iphone via bluetooth and take advantage of the phones superior computing power. This is important, because for a GPS unit to have similar capabilities it would take years to develop, whereas by connecting to existing technology the developers can instead focus on applications for the GPS rather than the GPS unit itself. 

On the topic of applications, the Bad Elf company has created numerous applications for their GPS software, ranging from a wide variety of uses. A few examples are noted below

Pix4d Capture- This app is meant to serve as a companion to Pix4d photogrammetry software. Using the app, drone data can be accessed with an Iphone or Ipad. Additional features include a drone flight checklist as well as a wide variety of image processing.

Air Navigation Pro  - This app allows pilots to plan and track flights using real-time gps information. It provides access to a large database of way-points and flight information. If elevation data is added, flights paths and terrain may be viewed in 3d

Cachly- This app is used for the recreational activity geocaching. This involves participants using a gps follow coordinates in order to locate a small item or "geocache" The app shows an interactive map of geocaches around the world as well as an activity log showing when others located the cache.

Methods:

For this assignment the class was divided into groups; one group was the "hiders" and the other were the "locators". The group in charging of hiding was given an Eureka Marco Polo brand tracking receiver that resembled a small USB drive. The unit is intended to be attached to a pets collar so they can be located if they become lost. The other group used the handheld tracking unit to locate the transmitter and used the Bad Elf app/ GPS unit to log the path they took during the search.