Google Earth

References

libkml
Blender
Sketchup
Google Earth

Interface

Using libkml, an interface was created to allow for multiple users to view experiments in progress. Basically, one of the participating nodes (usually the computer in the command trailer) runs an interface on the application layer networking that provides data through a TCP socket to a off-site server. This connection is usually made using a WAN card and cellular access. The off-site server is running its own application layer networking and converts the TCP data to KML and saves it to a file. The file is then made available using Apache for any connected Google Earth clients. A diagram of the system is shown below.



Below are a series of screenshots showing the end result in Google Earth

Models

The models were created using blender, a open source program used for making videos and images by defining 3d objects and their interaction with the environment. These were exported, and then tweaked slightly using Google's Sketchup.