The Vehicle Tracking Project
Quartix Ltd is delighted to be working with Cambridgeshire Schools Library Service on the Vehicle Tracking Project.
The service's distinctive blue "Dive into Books" bus (see the picture on the right) has a GPS satellite-based tracking device installed in it. This records detailed information on the vehicle's journeys as it makes its rounds of the county, working with teachers to refresh the stock of books in schools and nurseries. The data, including locations, timings and speeds, is now available to schools by email and over the web. Schools can register to receive daily and weekly reports on the bus's journeys, and also access embedded mapping and real-time updates. Alternatively, sample data can be viewed or downloaded direct from this web site.
This project offers a wealth of real-life primary data for learners to examine, with scope for extension activities across the curriculum. While the work of the BookBus highlights the importance of literacy and an interest in books from an early age, the data generated by the tracking system raises topics including mapping; data interpretation, presentation and manipulation; science and technology; ICT; storytelling; and citizenship issues.
To support the project there are also explanations of the technology behind the system, suggestions for using the data, a glossary of useful terms, and selected links to more resources. Please use the menu on the left to access these features.