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A low-cost, open-source inertial movement GPS logger for eco-physiology applications
James A Fahlbusch1, Katie J Harrington2
1Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA musculus@stanford.edu.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|November 23, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed the Tapered Wings Logger (TWLogger), a low-cost, open-source bio-logger. This device records high-resolution animal movement and GPS data, offering a practical tool for eco-physiology research.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Zoology
- Bio-logging Technology
Background:
- Open-source technology facilitates the development of affordable animal-borne bio-loggers.
- A need exists for bio-loggers capable of simultaneously recording inertial movement and GPS data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Tapered Wings Logger (TWLogger), an open-source, low-cost bio-logger.
- To provide a device that records high-resolution inertial movement and GPS data for animal tracking.
Main Methods:
- Developed the Tapered Wings Logger (TWLogger) using open-source technology.
- Integrated tri-axial accelerometry, magnetometry, temperature, and GPS sensors.
- Provided publicly available build instructions and custom analysis scripts.
Main Results:
- The TWLogger costs approximately $90 USD and weighs 25g with a 500mAh battery.
- Bench tests demonstrated 50 Hz inertial movement recording for over 31 hours with GPS accuracy within 10.9±13.6m.
- Field deployments on birds of prey yielded comparable results.
Conclusions:
- The customizable TWLogger offers a practical and affordable solution for eco-physiology research.
- This bio-logger has wide-ranging applications across various animal systems.
- The project provides accessible resources for building and analyzing bio-logging data.
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