Scout is tracked by three technologies. When it is really close to shore (<10 miles) it can be tracked using a cellular data connection. When it travels outside the range of the cellular coverage, it powers down that unit and uses an Iridium 9602 transciever, as well as a SPOT tracker, to transmit its position back to us. These pings are compiled automatically into this map. Note that there is a 24 hour lag time between a position update and that update propogating to this map. More info on tracking below.
Cellular Position:
We are using two technologies to track Scout. This is because a cellular connection gives us much more resolution: an update every five or ten seconds. This allows us to get a better understanding of what Scout is doing during the testing phases. The SPOT tracker updates much less frequently, about once every ten minutes. If the boat is making wild loops and curves, the SPOT tracker won't tell us this. It will just connect the dots on the map.
In addition to GPS tracking both via cellular connection and satellite, we're using a GPS logger that will be onboard simply to record the path taken by the boat for later study, and an additional Iridium satellite transponder that will relay data for us. This transponder will send us data from onboard sensors which will be updated on this page as well.
The SPOT tracker is modified so that the microcontroller can "press" the buttons for us. It can transmit for six months after losing power from the solar panels/ rechargable batteries.
There will be an onboard camera that will take and store a number of pictures per day.
You can take a look at the navigation software (it might be a few revisions old) on Google code.