LoRa is a wireless modulation technique derived from Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) technology. It encodes information on radio waves using chirp pulses. LoRa modulated transmission is robust against disturbances and can be received across great distances. We encoded GPS data into a list and sent that data using LoRa Radio within the framework of a finite state machine.
ArcGIS is a comprehensive geographic information system (GIS), used for creating, managing, analyzing, and mapping all types of geographical data. This system is used extensively by C5ISR and other organizations worldwide. The software supports data visualization in the form of maps and globes, as well as through various analytical models that enable users to interpret spatial and temporal patterns.
To export the data to ArcGIS Online, we explored the feasibility of using different data structures to store GPS coordinates and send via LoRa radio. We began by manually converting a spreadsheet/.csv file into an ArcGIS feature layer. However, we discarded this idea because it requires an additional computer that is not within the constraints of our problem set. So, we pivoted to using a python file that will automatically update a .tif file with new instances and generate polygonal clearance areas. However, to create and update a .tif file in Python, we needed to install the ArcPy environment. Because WashU only provides ArcGIS Online and not ArcGIS Pro, we were unable to implement our automatically map-updating python script but will still provide it to the Sensing and Detection Division for their implementation, as they possess higher-level GIS software.