ZigBee/GPS tracking system for rowing races

In this paper a ZigBee/GPS Tracking System for Rowing Races is presented. The system provides real-time monitoring of boat position. Potential applications includes, race monitoring, aided-training and safety systems. The system is composed of two main types of modules, Mobile Units equipped with a GPS receiver (in the boat), and a fixed one composed by the Central Unit and the Race Manager, located in the operations room. The communication between the Central and the Mobile units is provided by a point to multipoint ZigBee wireless network. At the current development stage a system prototype was developed and used for testing purposes. Preliminary tests, in order to make a first assessment of system functionalities, were performed in a simulated land environment and the obtained results were promising.