Precise, Real-Time GPS Mapping and Communication for Humanitarian Demining

In regions affected by conflicts, humanitarian demining operations face critical challenges in accurately determining and communicating the positions of demining teams within hazardous and difficult-to-access places. These challenges lead to redundant efforts by Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations in an attempt to mitigate explosive hazards for local populations. Current solutions fail to integrate position tracking with effective communication between organizations engaged in de-mining tasks. We developed a prototype system designed to accurately track and communicate the positions of clearance personnel within a defined area using GPS data and leveraging long-range (LoRa) communication technology for real-time regional communication. We used Raspberry Pi computers equipped with SX1262 LoRa PIHATs for long-range communication and AdaFruit Ultimate GPS Module v3s to capture the GPS coordinates of mine clearance personnel. This setup aims to acquire, record, and automatically transmit GPS data between demining teams. The outcome is a robust, cost-effective solution that enables real-time sharing of GPS positions among demining teams, significantly improving operational efficiency and safety. 

Above is a system diagram for the CLEARPath System including a Raspberry Pi, LoRa HAT, GPS module, battery, and boost converter.  

George Mitrev

B.S. Biomedical Engineering
B.S. Systems Science & Engineering

Class of 2024

Zane Watson

2LT, US Army
B.S. Systems Science & Engineering

Class of 2024