This open access book bridges the gap between playing with robots in school and studying robotics at the upper undergraduate and graduate levels to prepare for careers in industry and research. Robotic algorithms are presented formally, but using only mathematics known by high-school and first-year college students, such as calculus, matrices and probability. Concepts and algorithms are explained through detailed diagrams and calculations. Elements of Robotics presents an overview of different types of robots and the components used to build robots, but focuses on robotic algorithms: simple algorithms like odometry and feedback control, as well as algorithms for advanced topics like localization, mapping, image processing, machine learning and swarm robotics. These algorithms are demonstrated in simplified contexts that enable detailed computations to be performed and feasible activities to be posed. Students who study these simplified demonstrations will be well prepared for advanced study of robotics. The algorithms are presented at a relatively abstract level, not tied to any specific robot. Instead a generic robot is defined that uses elements common to most educational robots: differential drive with two motors, proximity sensors and some method of displaying output to the user. The theory is supplemented with over 100 activities, most of which can be successfully implemented using inexpensive educational robots. Activities that require more computation can be programmed on a computer. Archives are available with suggested implementations for the Thymio robot and standalone programs in Python.

A classic navigation tool returns, newly updated to reflect the latest advances in GPS technology and including everything a modern explorer of all skill levels needs to know about path finding, compasses, maps, and more. Original.

How did we get from 20-foot-long maps to GPS devices small enough to fit in the palm of our hands? How does GPS work and what can it tell us? How do ancient mapmaking techniques used by the Romans and Greeks influence the satellite technologies we use today? The history of mapmaking is full of remarkable characters who charted the unknown with an ever-changing set of tools. In Mapping and Navigation: The History and Science of Finding Your Way, kids ages 9–12 will learn the history and science behind the evolution of mapmaking, and how much is still out there for discovery. Readers will explore ideas through hands-on experiments while learning new terminology and interesting facts. Projects include using triangulation to measure distances, creating contour lines on a mini-mountain to understand elevation changes on a map, and inventing a sundial and compass to understand the basics of navigation. Whether mapping the solar system or mapping their own backyard, all readers will be able to understand mapping technologies and see the world in new and exciting ways.

This pioneering book describes the development of a robot mapping and navigation system inspired by models of the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation in the rodent hippocampus. Computational models of animal navigation systems have traditionally had limited performance when implemented on robots. This is the first research to test existing models of rodent spatial mapping and navigation on robots in large, challenging, real world environments.

For most of the twentieth century, maps were indispensable. They were how governments understood, managed, and defended their territory, and during the two world wars they were produced by the hundreds of millions. Cartographers and journalists predicted the dawning of a “map-minded age,” where increasingly state-of-the-art maps would become everyday tools. By the century’s end, however, there had been decisive shift in mapping practices, as the dominant methods of land surveying and print publication were increasingly displaced by electronic navigation systems. In After the Map, William Rankin argues that although this shift did not render traditional maps obsolete, it did radically change our experience of geographic knowledge, from the God’s-eye view of the map to the embedded subjectivity of GPS. Likewise, older concerns with geographic truth and objectivity have been upstaged by a new emphasis on simplicity, reliability, and convenience. After the Map shows how this change in geographic perspective is ultimately a transformation of the nature of territory, both social and political.

A practical treatment of short-range radar processing for reliable object detection at ground level.

It requires no prior knowledge of these subjects. Sections include map care, comprehension of map symbols, military symbols, grid reference systems, and interpretation of aerial photographs. After the basics are covered, the second half moves to land navigation - varying terrains, elevations, day-night variations. Map and compass work is thoroughly explained. Finally, extreme scenarios - desert, mountain, jungle, arctic, and urban terrains - are all explored.

The successful implementation of applications in spatial reasoning requires paying attention to the representation of spatial data. In particular, an integrated and uniform treatment of different spatial features is necessary in order to enable the reasoning to proceed quickly. Currently, the most prevalent features are points, rectangles, lines, regions, surfaces, and volumes. As an example of a reasoning task consider a query of the form "find all cities with population in excess of 5,000 in wheat growing regions within 10 miles of the Mississippi River. " Note that this query is quite complex. It requires- processing a line map (for the river), creating a corridor or buffer (to find the area within 10 miles of the river), a region map (for the wheat), and a point map (for the cities). Spatial reasoning is eased by spatially sorting the data (i. e. , a spatial index). In this paper we show how hierarchical data structures can be used to facilitate this process. They are based on the principle of recursive decomposition (similar to divide and conquer methods). In essence, they are used primarily as devices to sort data of more than one dimension and different spatial types. The term quadtree is often used to describe this class of data structures. In this paper, we focus on recent developments in the use of quadtree methods. We concentrate primarily on region data. For a more extensive treatment of this subject, see [SameS4a, SameSSa, SameSSb, SameSSc, SameSga, SameSgbj.

This military manual is organized as follows: Part One: Map Reading Chapter 1. Training Strategy 1-1. Building-Block Approach 1-2. Army-Wide Implementation 1-3. Safety Chapter 2. Maps 2-1. Definition 2-2. Purpose 2-3. Procurement 2-4. Security 2-5. Care 2-6. Categories 2-7. Military Map Substitutes 2-8. Standards of Accuracy Chapter 3. Marginal Information and Symbols 3-1. Marginal Information on a Military Map 3-2. Additional Notes 3-3. Topographic Map Symbols 3-4. Military Symbols 3-5. Colors Used on a Military Map Chapter 4. Grids 4-1. Reference System 4-2. Geographic Coordinates 4-3. Military Grids 4-4. United States Army Military Grid Reference System 4-5. Locate a Point Using Grid Coordinates 4-6. Locate a Point Using the Us Army Military Grid Reference System 4-7. Grid Reference Box 4-8. Other Grid Systems 4-9. Protection of Map Coordinates and Locations Chapter 5. Scale and Distance 5-1. Representative Fraction 5-2. Graphic (Bar) Scales 5-3. Other Methods Chapter 6. Direction 6-1. Methods of Expressing Direction 6-2. Base Lines 6-3. Azimuths 6-4. Grid Azimuths 6-5. Protractor 6-6. Declination Diagram 6-7. Intersection 6-8. Resection 6-9. Modified Resection 6-10. Polar Coordinates Chapter 7. Overlays 7-1. Purpose 7-2. Map Overlay 7-3. Aerial Photograph Overlay Chapter 8. Aerial Photographs 8-1. Comparison With Maps 8-2. Types 8-3. Types of Film 8-4. Numbering and Titling Information 8-5. Scale Determination 8-6. Indexing 8-7. Orienting of Photograph 8-8. Point Designation Grid 8-9. Identification of Photograph Features 8-10. Stereovision Part Two: Land Navigation Chapter 9. Navigation Equipment and Methods 9-1. Types of Compasses 9-2. Lensatic Compass 9-3. Compass Handling 9-4. Using a Compass 9-5. Field-Expedient Methods 9-6. Global Positioning System Chapter 10. Elevation and Relief 10-1. Definitions 10-2. Methods of Depicting Relief 10-3. Contour Intervals 10-4. Types of Slopes 10-5. Percentage of Slope 10-6. Terrain Features 10-7. Interpretation of Terrain Features 10-8. Profiles Chapter 11. Terrain Association 11-1. Orienting the Map 11-2. Locations 11-3. Terrain Association Usage 11-4. Tactical Considerations 11-5. Movement and Route Selection 11-6. Navigation Methods 11-7. Night Navigation Chapter 12. Mounted Land Navigation 12-1. Principles 12-2. Navigator’s Duties 12-3. Movement 12-4. Terrain Association Navigation 12-5. Dead Reckoning Navigation 12-6. Stabilized Turret Alignment Navigation 12-7. Combination Navigation Chapter 13. Navigation in Different Types of Terrain 13-1. Desert Terrain 13-2. Mountain Terrain 13-3. Jungle Terrain 13-4. Arctic Terrain 13-5. Urban Areas Chapter 14. Unit Sustainment 14-1. Set Up a Sustainment Program 14-2. Set Up a Train-The-Trainer Program 14-3. Set Up a Land Navigation Course ... plus numerous appendices.