Simulating Canals at Elm Park

Post date: Oct 04, 2012 6:53:23 PM

After finalizing the designs for the prototypes and putting on some of the finishing touches, it was time to put them to the test. Although we had confirmed that the GPS would work inside of the PVC pipe, we still were not sure of its functionality in water. Was it entirely waterproof? Does water effect the GPS signals? Using Manny's waterproof phone, we conducted tests in Elm Pond off of Park Ave. This test was almost a direct simulation of what the device will be going through in Venice. We attached the device to fishing line, started up Google Tracks, put the phone in the device and dragged it across the pond to simulate a current. The results were fairly accurate, showing many of the subtle changes in directions.

Unfortunately, the measuring stick design did not go quite according to plan. The test was simulating the stick being in the water and showing a fixed water level. Pictures were taken from different distances with different cameras. It appears that asking for 1 cm accuracy using the "average" phone camera is too much. We will have to lower the accuracy to atleast be able to get some data.

Testing the Measuring Stick Testing Google Tracks In the Water