99 rubber balloons?

June 14, 2012

Today was an interesting day as we finally got to be a little “handsy” and use some of the tools that we will use in Kaua’i.

The first tool that we saw was the XRF, an x-ray machine that measures the compounds inside or on top of (depending on the situation) of almost anything.  It seemed a little intense and very fragile, so I intend to use it’s information but watch it from afar.

The second tool that we got our hands on was the GPS units.  I have had prior experience with GPS units, but never with a trimble GPS unit as those are super expensive.  I think it’s a great tool as it can measure precisely and it is fairly easy to use, it’s like having a little GPS computer with you.

The last tool that we tried out, albeit with some hitches, was a big red blimp (balloon-looking-thing, really) that can be used with some cameras attached to it in order to take remotely sensed images that can then be stitched up into a bigger one.  Great idea, kinda hard to follow through with it though.  Hopefully we’ll get it good in Kaua’i.

Oh yeah, we also received a lecture from Dr. Lipo on his work in Rapa Nui and some of what he has studied in Polynesia/Kaua’i.  It was a great lecture, learned a lot and we even saw a video that National Geographic did on his work which was cool, funny and informative (the best way to learn).   There was also a plug for his book that did not quite work for me, I think I would try to include a plug for my book in lectures if I had one as well.