A multi-modal sensing and communication platform for continental-scale migratory bird tracking

This thesis presents a novel platform for tracking migratory birds on a continental scale. Cellular technology is used to augment the short-range radios that have traditionally been used in wireless sensor networks. The platform utilizes multiple sensors, including a GPS and solid state compass. By using these sensors, the platform is capable of not only tracking a bird’s migration path, but also provides information on a bird’s behavior during its life-cycle. Testing methodology utilizing simulations and aspect-oriented pro-gramming is used to reveal faults in the platform prior to deployment on wild animals. In collaboration with the International Crane Foundation, and the Crane Trust, the plat