VADAR

Formerly "Cyclops Tracker"

VADAR (Visual Detection and Ranging at sea), is a software system that locates, tracks and records marine mammal and other object positions and provides GIS capability. VADAR is designed to be efficient and easy to use (especially in the field), with a simple graphical user interface (GUI) and quick edit options. The program accepts data directly from electronic theodolites, electronic compass, GPS, AIS, digital cameras and outputs of acoustic tracking software (e.g. Ishmael). Additional information such as behavioural data can also be entered by using compass binoculars and the keyboard. The data is then processed (in real time) and the object's position calculated and plotted to the screen. The system can be used from a land station, vessel or aircraft and corrections for earth curvature, refraction and tides are applied.

VADAR tracker was develop by co-investigator Dr Hendrik (Eric) Kniest and a special version has been developed for the BRAHSS project that enables a number of survey platforms to be networked together so that the data collected from any site can be transferred to other sites. Typically, data is collected from five individual theodolite stations, one acoustic tracking station and three research vessels (using GPS or AIS). For example, the information about singers collected at the acoustics tracking station is sent to the theodolite scan team to enable them to visually locate and track the pod.

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