Field Demonstrations of Spctor: Sensing Policy Controller and Optimizer

Abstract

A ground-based distributed sensing network is described in this work that leverages elements of wireless sensor networks (WSN) and uncrewed areal vehicles (UAVs) with software-defined radar payloads. Hardware and software advancements are made towards combining the operations of WSNs and UAVs for dynamic spatiotemporal monitoring of surface to subsurface soil moisture at kilometer scales. The multi-agent and distributed sensing approach demonstrates coordination, collaboration, and parallel operation of discrete assets for optimal soil moisture monitoring. Results from the first field experiment showing this coordinated operation are reported.