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Harvard Forest REU Symposium Abstract 2016
- Title: Augmenting an Aerial Tram through Code for Optimized Independent Data Collection Above a Forest Canopy
- Author: Lauren B Ebels (Calvin College)
- Abstract:
Data collection is essential for an accurate evaluation of climate change and other environmental progressions. An automated tram system which traverses a re-growing clear-cut area in the Harvard Forest provides a minimally invasive and user friendly design for collecting atmospheric data and analyzing long term forest health. The tram, guided by Python code, transfers data files wirelessly from a BeagleBone single-board computer contained within the main tram shell to a base station computer. The tram website also provides a more publicly available platform for researchers to stay updated on the tram’s development and its findings. Since the ultimate goal of this project is to maintain a system that is as self-sufficient and durable as possible, the primary focus of this summer’s work was to alleviate some commonly occurring technical hindrances. As the tram chassis is frequently exposed to the elements, harsh weather was initially a likely cause for harm. A Python add-on called PyOWM was implemented to help the tram identify potentially hazardous conditions and alert project managers via email. Another portion of the tram code now recognizes when the tram has been attempting measurements for greater than 1 hour, indicating an operation error. The code displays a message that the tram has been away for too long and returns it to the charging station until the next indicated departure time. Through Heroku and Django, two tools used for web application development, the tram data have also started to become more structured and interpretable through graphs displayed on the website.
- Research Category: Forest-Atmosphere Exchange
- Figures: abstractpic.jpg
