Final report for Service Learning Fall 07
Wetlands Project
UC Merced,School of Engineering
In Partnership With
Executive summary
The Grasslands Water District (GWD) in conjunction with Sustain Environmental engaged UC Merced’s Service Learning Program to help them raise awareness of the wetlands. The wetlands are vast areas of land reserved to wildlife in the San JoaquinValley. These reserves, which were once natural habitats, are now human-managed ecosystemsas the damming of Sierra Nevada rivershas long since prevented spring floodwaters from reaching these systems. Instead, wetland managers decide when to flood and drain the wetlands. The wetlands are owned by a combination of state, federal and private sector stakeholders. All of these organizations contribute to maintaining the wetlands, but the funding to maintain the wetlands is difficult to Sustainand privately owned areas are in danger of being bought and destroyed by encroaching urbanization.
Our objective is to help preserve the wetlands and the natural wildlife for which it provides habitat by raising awareness about this resource. Based on the findings of the Spring 2007 Service Learning team, we have proposed that a webcam educational and informational platform be developed and deployed at one or more sites within the wetlands to help a broad array of people to identify with wetland wildlife in its natural habitat.
Throughout this fall semester of 2007, the Wetlands Service Learning Team at the University of California, Merced, has been researching methods of procuring and installing webcams atthe wetlands in Los Banos. The team initially toured the wetlands vicinity early in the semester to research potential webcam locations. During this trip, the team becameaware of various groups responsible for the upkeep of the wetlands.
From that point forward the team focused on researching various webcam models with the intent to purchase. Building a camera prototype was also discussed hoping that a benefit would be acquiring funds to perfect the model. With this in mind the team had to consider what camera features were desirable along with financial constraints. Other necessities that needed to be considered were with server-side issued to do with the webcam.
In the final weeks of the semester, the team agreed on a webcam model with which to develop a demonstration prototype, and submitted a request for purchase via the UCM Service Learning Program. The next goal for the team is to contact all involved parties to discuss webcam viability and possible financing sources. Demonstration of the prototype to the client followed by Installation of the webcam and other server-side issues are left for next semester’s Wetlands team to tackle.
Table of Contents
Introduction______5
Project Tasks______6
Overall project schedule______10
Team Continuity Plan______11
Project Roadblocks______12
Expected Outcomes______12
Team Organization______13
1. Introduction
Our Service Learning Team is working with the GWD to bring attention to the importance of preserving Central California’s wetlands. One of the client’s biggest fears is the loss of the wildlife areas to the growing industries in the community. To overcome the pressures of encroachment, the goal of the GWD in conjunction withSustain Environmental and Service Learning partnership is to create a positive public image for the wetlands environment and instill a sense of appreciation in the public towards their community’s wetlands.
The wetland’s lack of funding, protection, and maintenance is due in large part to its lack of recognition that they are an integral part of California’s environment. It’s important to convey this message to the community to improve the wetlands reputation. One of the constraints that our client has been faced with is limited control over the wetland area as a whole because many different parties have partial ownership of the land. Therefore, all of these organizations, from private to government, will need to be involved in the endeavor to increase the public’s awareness of the wetlands importance. Funding is a second factor that further limits the client and requires cooperation among various organizations to overcome. Unlike most of the other organizations in partial ownership, such as the hunting clubs that bring in their own revenue from club dues, our client receives most of its revenue from grants, which is a difficult financial model to sustain. Working with limiting factors to unite several organizations will be the most prominent obstacle the Service Learning Group will need to overcome, and it will provide the most support for the wetlands.
Throughout the semester the Wetlands Service Learning team has accomplished several small tasks. These tasks, nonetheless, are the foundation of the project. Every task our team has completed during this past semester has helped us identify obstacles and come up with solutions to those obstacles. We now have an idea of what should be done during the following semester.
2. Project Tasks
As a young team that started in spring semester of 2007 we did not expect our team to accomplish a great deal of task, but we did have ideas that developed into tasks. One of our main tasks this semester was research because there was no foundation for us to build on. Based on the previous team’s report we researched ways to implement a webcam to broadcast the nature of the wetlands to the surrounding communities. One of our biggest problems was the lack of funds. From this issue several other tasks developed, some of which included the creation of a webpage geared towards groups that benefited most from the wetlands and the development of a webcam. The main accomplishment that our team can take account for is building a foundation for the project.
2.1 Task 1: Webcam Hardware Selection
Our first task and most important was completed by Tony Truong. He was head of researching the implementation of the webcam hardware and software into the wetlands. Tony contacted organizations such as The James Reserve and The University of California Merced School of Engineering to ask what kind of cameras they had usedin their facilities and how they were deployed. From the information Tony found,we decided what hardware to use and it is now the basis of our project.
The hardware we found to best suite our projectis an Axis 214 PTZ Network Camera that is priced around $1200. This webcam is a solid investment for the project for the following reasons: it can pan, tilt, zoom, and can achievepreprogrammed positions by autonomously executing user-generated scripts, providing absolute control over the camera. With this feature, we can engage audiences with multiple views and perspectives from one camera alone, saving money by reducing the number of fixed cameras purchased. The Axis 214 is also a well-built machine and can be equipped with anall weather dome for added protection. UC Merced hasseveral of these cameras on campus and can provide detailed help on scripting,operation, and maintenance. Tony had also found several different models some of which included the Panasonic PTZ network Cameraand a similar Axis camera with a solar panel, but overall the Axis 214 PTZ is the top choice by far on our list of alternatives.
2.2 Task 2: Website for Hosting the Webcam
Another task our team was faced with was the demonstration website. Initially, due to budget constraints, we attempted to borrow a webcam or simulate one using a handheld digital camera. While this would not showcase the final webcam capabilities, it would provide a working client demonstration and aid in securing additional funding. Within the current context, we believe that progress on this task has three primary benefits: (1) creates a tangible indicator of progress; (2) acts as a test bed for new ideas and technologies; and (3) lays the groundwork for the final website. Currently due to a generous contribution by the UCM Service Learning Program, we will be purchasing a webcam for the project. With this development, we are no longer developing a website as a demonstration or proof of concept, but as prototype with which to obtain client feedback. This does not change the fundamental nature of the task, though development of the webcam platform hardware has taken priority over software.
As a plan to fulfill the needs of the client, which is outreach, the task to create specific user-oriented web pages (e.g., children, teachers, birdwatchers, hunters)and interactively engage these users with the webcam arose. For example, hunters are an especially important group to the wetlands. They utilize the facilities, which would imply that they care about the maintenance of the wetlands and are against anything that is threatening to the wetlands. Rodney Severson of the wetlands team has been given this task of creating a simple outline of the webpage that is geared toward the attraction and education of hunting factions. Thus far, the webpage has been completed and a very basic design has been created. The next stage will be to begin drafting out the actual layout of the webpage and begin arranging information regarding the wetlands that hunters would find useful, informative, or interesting. In short, the content of the webpage will be centered on concepts and information of interest to hunters.It is the wish of the team to have the webpage at least roughly arranged on a computer by the conclusion of the fall semester. It will be one of the duties of next semester to complete this webpage, and to extend the technical template developed for hunters to other significant facets of the wetland target audience.
2.3 Task 3: Webcam desing
Upon the arrival of the network camera the task to build a mobile webcam powered by solar panel will begin. In this task Tony Truong and Jose Mendez researched layouts of webcams and solar panel implementation and have compiled a list of material needed. They also have been interacting with Assistant Dean of Engineering at University of California, Merced to get help with technical issues. This task is designed to use the prototype as proof of concept to gain the interest of multiple organizations and possibly gain funds. The blueprint to the designs of the webcam is completed. Along with the blueprint a list for the materials with names and costs has been attached to let the client and the service learning department knows exactly what this prototype consist of. The blueprints display the scheme of a high resolution network camera that will be powered by a 12V battery. A solar panel will then recharge the 12V battery. All of these components will be on a stand that will be made out of PVC pipe. The construction material for the stand is PVC pipe due to the convenient price. The network camera will be operated to view at various angles. The prototype is the highlight of this semester’s task and there seem to be a chance that it will be completed this semester, but in the event that it is not completed this semester the completion of the task will be passed on to next semester’s team.
2.4 Task 4: Project Information Management
Another important task that was assigned to Michael Welschmeyer was to upload all important documents to the team’s website. This helped the entire team stay up to date with what we had accomplished over the weeks even if some members were unable to attend specific meetings or work sessions. This also allows our employer to keep track of our progress and provide feedback on the direction the project is taking. The share point website is also a place where the team can talk conveniently out of class or post links to websites that they think might be interesting. Lastly everyone’s contact information is kept on the site so that it is easier to reach someone. The maintenance of this website, while not paramount, definitely helps the team run more smoothly.
These tasks, though not all completed to their entirety, have built a solid foundation for the project to be developed upon and will help future teams guide the project towards success.
3. Overall Project Schedule
Some of our milestones for this semester were narrowing down our goals and finding the right solution to our client’s problem. A diagram summarizing the work plan for the semester is shown below. From the week of the October 3rd through the week of November 12th our team had come up with numerous ideas to fund the project. The task of creating a demonstration website to acquire funds took place in the week of the October 29th through the week of November 5th. The blueprints to the prototype were developed on the week of November 12th, which marked the end of brainstorming and beginning of our team’s main goal. The goal was to complete a webcam prototype that could be tested next semester and be used to acquire funds. The decision to order a camera was made on the 16th of November, but the camera was not ordered until the 30th of November. Other materials for the prototype were purchased and assembled in the week of December 1st though December 7th.
9/5 / 9/12 / 9/19 / 9/26 / 10/3 / 10/10 / 10/17 / 10/24 / 10/31 / 9/7 – 12/12 / 12/19Review last Year / ------
Outline for presentation / ------
Give presentation / ------
Narrow down goals / ------
Written Proposal development and revision (after client review) / ------
Work on Webcam / ------
Report to Client / ------
Final Presentation / ------
Final Written Project / ------
5. Team Continuity Plan
This semester, in order to build off of the achievements of the previous Service Learning Team, we reviewed the Final Project Presentation. The presentation summarized the successes and failures of last semester, as well as gave us ideas of projects to continue to develop throughout our semester working with the Grassland Water District. None of the prior Wetlands Team members remained on the Wetlands Team, which meant that our guidance came mainly from Professor Harmon when we had questions regarding the previous work of the Wetlands Team. However, that will not be the case next semester, because at least two of the existing members will be continuing with the Wetlands Service Learning Team. This will provide consistency not only for the team and the project goal to have a webcam prototype completed and ready to be tested, but also for the client. Communication next semester will be strengthened because the team’s member consistency will encourage a comfortable working atmosphere.
6. Project Roadblocks
There will eventually bea need for more funding in order to purchase satisfactory webcams to populate the various unique aspects of the wetlands.However, in order to receive funding we recognize the need for a demonstration of the types of outcomes that this funding will provide. We believe that the current resources are sufficient for providing an outstanding demonstration of such outcomes. Some aspects of the envisioned project (for example, the solar energy component) may need to be simulated at the demonstration stage until additional funding sources can be identified.
7. Expected Outcomes
For this semester, we planned to build a webcam prototype and have it ready to present to the client. The protocol was designed and materials were specified. At the time of this report, parts are to be purchased and prepared for use in fabricating the website/webcam and associated solar power system. Next semester the team will meet with the client again to demonstrate various aspects of the website-webcam prototype and discuss possible options for improving and expanding the system. At this stage, the website content for the initial public version will need to be finalized.
Team Organization
Team Member Name / Team PositionJose Mendez / Team Leader
Michael Welschmeyer / Sub-Leader #1
Tony Troung / Sub-Leader #2
Daniel Guevara / Communications Specialist
Ehsan Vessal / Information Technologist
Heather Jackson / Recorder
Aurora Carlson / Public Relations
Francesca Devlin / Team Member
Paul Kim / Team Member
Brent Rich / Team Member
Rodney Severson / Presentation Creator
Tom Harmon / Mentor
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