BlueOS Ping Survey Extension

A simple extension for BlueOS that enables time-synchronized collection of sonar data from the Ping sonar, alongside GPS data. This extension provides both a full interface and a compact widget view for monitoring and recording survey data.

Features

• Real-time sonar depth and confidence monitoring
• GPS position tracking
• Vessel heading display
• Data logging at 2Hz
• CSV data export
• Compact widget view for Cockpit integration
• Automatic system ID detection
• Support for multiple autopilot types (ArduPilot, PX4, Generic)

Installation

1. Install the extension through the BlueOS extension manager
2. Follow the guide here: https://bluerobotics.com/learn/collecting-creating-bathymetry-blueboat-ping2/

Usage

Full Interface

Access the full interface by navigating to the menu entry in BlueOS for Simple Ping Survey

Cockpit Widget Integration

To add the compact widget to your Cockpit interface:

1. Open Cockpit's edit interface
2. Add a new iframe widget
3. Set the iframe URL to:

http://"your.vehicle.ip"/extension/simpleping2survey/widget?full_page=true

Data Collection

1. Click the play button to start data collection
2. The extension will automatically detect the correct system ID and begin logging
3. Data is saved to a CSV file with timestamps
4. Use the download button to retrieve the collected data

Data Format

The CSV file includes:

• Unix Timestamp
• Date
• Time
• Depth (cm)
• Confidence (%)
• Vessel heading (degrees)
• Latitude
• Longitude

Simulation Mode

You can test the interface without connecting to real hardware by using the simulation mode:

1. Create a file called simulation.csv in the /app/logs/ directory
2. Format it with the same columns as the regular data export (see Data Format section)
3. Click the "Start Simulation" button in the interface
4. The interface will play back the data from your CSV file at 5x real-time speed

This is useful for:

• Testing the interface without hardware
• Reviewing past survey data in the map view
• Demonstrating the tool's capabilities
• Development and testing
• Quickly visualizing large datasets (5x speed playback)

To create a simulation file from a previous survey, simply rename a downloaded data file to simulation.csv and place it in the logs directory.

Future Features

• Fix bar at top that scrolls down to hide
• WP Survey speed parameter control on page
• User controlled confidence filter on live and/or logged data
• Better mobile experience - scaling corner logos

Discussion

For more information and updates, visit the Blue Robotics discussion thread