Up for a hands-on game challenge? Navigate a flying quadcopter during stormy Alaska weather, catch the perfect aerial shot of rare wildlife, and uncover trails through rough sea ice, all in the new mobile app game Arctic UAVs. Arctic UAVs is available for download now in the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store.
Unmanned aerial vehicles are high-tech flying technological tools. UAVs are on the cutting edge of science.
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/arctic-uavs/id1090492329
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.frontierScientists.arcticUAVs
“One of the things I like about the game is the touch screen thumb controls which have a similar feel to the controls of an actual drone.” -David Freeman
Frontier Scientists brings you Arctic UAVs: a game based on real UAV research missions executed by the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) program, part of the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. To explore more, use the game to link to real UAV science online.
Adults and children alike can have fun tackling the game’s levels.
“I like that the game is challenging– keeps me from getting bored with it. I think anyone with a bit of patience and willingness to learn can enjoy the game. It offers educational benefits, but they certainly do not take away from the fun.” -Jay Byam
UAVs expand what science is capable of. Scientists in Alaska are using UAVs to explore new research approaches. Have fun flying your copter and see levels showing off groundbreaking science as you progress through the game. Related Frontier Scientists videos reveal the real science.
Arctic UAVs– Mobile Game App
Mission #1: You are on a boat offshore from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Seas are rough, with high waves and 25 mph winds blowing rain sideways. During this mission, navigate your UAV quadcopter back to the boat and into the hand of the quadcopter catcher on deck ready and waiting.
Related Video: Fly Scout Fly
Mission #2: Camera-shy sea otters need to be counted. Scientists also want to record exactly what food they’re catching and eating in Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Fly your UAV quadcopter over feeding otters at optimal height and capture photos without disturbing the otters or any other wildlife in their habitat.
Related Video: UAV over Otters
Mission #3: Every whaling season Native residents in Barrow, Alaska, chop trails in sea ice to reach the ocean’s edge and set up camp. Trails must be plotted in optimal locations to protect whaling crews in case the sea ice fractures and breaks loose from shore. Use aerial views to form sea ice terrain maps that can help locals plan out sea ice trails.
Related Video: Mapping Ice Trails by UAV
“I think the art in the game is really well done. It’s easy to want to play a game when it is easy to look at.” -Jay Byam
Meet the game developers
Jay Byam is a computer science student commissioned as a research project assistant with Research Computing Systems, Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is a developer for Arctic UAVs, a mobile app game, and for the FrontierScientists.com application. Jay’s rare unoccupied moments are spent making music, playing basketball and taking long walks on the beach.
Jonathan Newell is a computer science student working as a research project assistant with Research Computing Systems within the Geophysical Institute at University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is a developer for Arctic UAVs, a mobile app game. Jonathan enjoys spending his time with his family, watching movies and playing with his 1-year-old daughter.
David Freeman has operated his graphic design business, Freeman Design, in Anchorage, Alaska since 1980. Specializing in identity and publication design, Mr. Freeman has designed a number of books for the University of Alaska Anchorage, publications for Alaska Native organizations and identity projects for small businesses throughout Alaska.
Randy Titchenal is from Anchorage, Alaska, and has been working in the design field on identity branding, merchandising, collateral and direct marketing for both Fortune 500 companies and design agencies in the Bay area for over 20 years. He has provided art direction, illustration and motion graphics and is also currently painting and printmaking out of his studio in the Mission arts district in San Francisco, California.
Oralee Nudson works in high performance computing as a science analyst for the Geophysical Institute’s Research Computing Systems at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her educational background includes an MS in computer science from UAF, and a BS in computer science and BS in psychology from Boise State University. Beyond work she enjoys making artist books, metalsmithing and jewelry making, trail running, and living off the grid.
FS 2016
Frontier Scientists: presenting scientific discovery in the Arctic and beyond
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