Soaring through Peru: Berkeley student turns summer research into augmented reality app
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“Professor Vranich is incredibly knowledgeable and a go-with-the-flow kind of person, which is something I really liked,” Schager said. “The Cusco course wasn’t structured in the way that Berkeley classes are, and we had no idea what to expect each day of class.”
The class was taught outdoors every weekday and used the surrounding historical sites as a living classroom. Vranich brought the class to visit different ruins, waterfalls and even Machu Picchu.
“He would point out many hidden parts to the architecture, like how the Inca architecture was built right into the mountains and landscapes,” Schager said.
Originally from Apple Valley, California, Schager studies cognitive science. She had taken courses in artificial intelligence, and had a background in 3D modeling and 3D graphics. What she lacked was extensive drone-flying experience.
Before leaving for Peru, Schager’s friend in the Berkeley UAV club taught her how to fly a drone. She first had to get a drone-flying license, register as a drone-flyer and then pass safety training in order to practice in the United States. These steps are not required in Peru, but the practice proved invaluable. She conducted test flights and familiarized herself with the DJI Phantom 3 Professional model, which is the same model Vranich had for her in Peru.
See the full story here: http://news.berkeley.edu/2018/04/05/soaring-through-peru-berkeley-student-turns-summer-research-into-augmented-reality-app/