Projects:2019s1-151 Raspberry Pi as a Core Device for Efficient Biological Field Survey Data Collection

Abstract

Biological surveys rely increasingly on electronic devices for acoustic data collection, as well as newer methods for processing and filtering enormous raw datasets. The increasing availability of inexpensive but professional-grade electronic components provides the potential for the creation of customised and user-updated devices suitable for a wider range of applications, reducing the reliance of biologists on proprietary devices and upgrade timelines. However, creating reliable devices from multiple electronic parts that function as desired can be a non-trivial exercise that is beyond the training of many biologists. The purpose of this project was to build a customised and flexible device for the long-term collection of large-scale ultrasonic recordings relevant to bat identifications in biodiversity surveys. The device also needs to be capable of on-board processing of big data and sending small subsets of data over the mobile network for remote verification of target detections. Further, this thesis summarises how straightforward a build process can be, where the technical difficulties lie and tests the ability of the device for onboard processing of large datasets

Team Members

Ganesh Methra.

Karthik Allipur.

Supervisors

Prof LangFord White

Dr Kyle Armstrong