AERPAW helikite spectrum measurements at Packapalooza Festival in Aug 2025
Data files
Nov 04, 2025 version files 438.56 MB
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Dryad_submission_AERPAW_Pack2025_17Oct2025.zip
438.56 MB
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README.md
2.94 KB
Abstract
We conducted a spectrum monitoring experiment using a helikite in an urban environment during NC State’s Packapalooza festival in August 2025. The helikite was equipped with a software-defined radio (SDR) and global positioning system (GPS) receivers and flown for approximately 6 hours, starting around noon. The helikite reached an altitude of approximately 160 meters at its peak. The spectrum was continuously swept up to 6 GHz, with each sweep taking about 15 seconds.
Description of the data and file structure
Overview
This dataset, “Spectrum monitoring dataset by a helikite in an urban area”, was collected by AERPAW.
It contains spectrum measurements conducted using a helikite-based platform in an urban environment.
The dataset follows the SigMF v1.2 standard for signal metadata formatting.
MATLAB post-processing scripts are also included.
Please refer to the README file for setup and usage instructions.
Files and variables
Contents
- SigMF-formatted power spectrum raw dataset
Located in the folderpow_spec/ - SigMF-formatted GPS logs
Located in the folderGPS_logs/ - SigMF-formatted spectrum monitoring logs
Located in the folderGPS_logs/ - SigMF to MATLAB format conversion script
sigMF2mat_PW.pyconverts SigMF-formatted power spectrum data to MATLAB (.mat) files
- SigMF to CSV format conversion scripts
sigMF2csv_GPS.pyconverts SigMF-formatted GPS and spectrum monitoring logs to CSV format
Running the Code
Convert power spectrum data
Run sigMF2mat_PW.py to convert the power spectrum data into MATLAB format.
Output files will be saved in ./matfiles_converted
Convert GPS logs
Run sigMF2csv_GPS.py to convert the GPS and spectrum monitoring logs into CSV format.
Output files will be saved in ./GPS_logs/csvfile/
Raw Data Description
Power Spectrum
Each MATLAB file contains two variables:
freqs(in MHz)powers(in dBm)
Filenames correspond to timestamps representing the data collection time.
GPS Logs
The generated CSV files contain the following columns:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Longitude |
| 2 | Latitude |
| 3 | Altitude (m) |
| 4 | Timestamp (seconds since epoch) |
Spectrum Monitoring Logs
Each CSV file contains a single column representing the timestamps of center frequency shifts during spectrum sweeps.
Code/software
SigMF Format
This dataset is compliant with SigMF v1.2 standards.
More information about SigMF can be found at the SigMF v1.x Documentation
MATLAB Post-Processing
After converting the SigMF files to MATLAB and CSV formats, run the script Post_processing_main.m to analyze the dataset.
This script performs filtering, statistical analysis, and visualization of spectrum occupancy.
Access information
Other publicly accessible locations of the data: