LIFT OFF: LoRaWAN Installation and Fiducial Tracking Operations for the
  Flightline of the Future
Ari Goodman Ryan O'Shea
Real-time situational awareness for the location of assets is critical to
ensure missions are completed efficiently and requirements are satisfied. In
many commercial settings, the application of global positioning system (GPS)
sensors is appropriate to achieve timely knowledge of the position of people
and equipment. However, GPS sensors are not appropriate for all situations due
to flight clearance and operations security concerns. LIFT OFF: LoRaWAN
Installation and Fiducial Tracking Operations for the Flightline of the Future
proposes a hybrid framework solution to achieve real-time situational awareness
for people, support equipment, and aircraft positions regardless of the
environment. This framework included a machine-vision component, which involved
setting up cameras to detect AprilTag decals that were installed on the sides
of aircraft. The framework included a geolocation sensor component, which
involved installing GPS sensors on support equipment and helmets. The framework
also included creating a long-range wide area network (LoRaWAN) to transfer
data and developing a user interface to display the data. The framework was
tested at Naval Air Station Oceana Flightline, the United States Naval Test
Pilot School, and at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst. LIFT
OFF successfully provided a real-time updating map of all tracked assets using
GPS sensors for people and support equipment and with visual fiducials for
aircraft. The trajectories of the assets were recorded for logistical analysis
and playback. Future follow-on work is anticipated to apply the technology to
other environments including carriers and amphibious assault ships in addition
to the flightline.