Balloon Live
Enhancing hot air balloon competitions.
This is a mobile application for Android and iOS devices that fundamentally changes the flow of hot air balloon competitions by digitizing goal declarations and marker drops. Pilots can monitor their position using GPS or a dedicated device, and data is automatically stored in a secure format. Real-time cloud data transmission enables immediate result evaluation and reduces the need for lengthy post-flight analysis. This app increases competition efficiency, allowing pilots to focus more on the flight rather than administrative tasks.
Scenario
In traditional hot air balloon competitions, pilots had to declare goals manually and drop physical markers. This process was time-consuming, error-prone, and required lengthy post-flight discussions.
Solution
Digitization and Tracking
Digitization: Pilots use the Balloon Live app on their smartphones to digitally declare goals and drop markers, eliminating the need for paper records. This allows instant action recording, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up the competition process.
Tracking: The app tracks the pilot's position using the phone's internal GPS or a special device designed for balloon flights. This device uses both GPS and barometric measurements, ensuring highly accurate tracking – every balloon movement is precisely recorded.
Data Management and Efficiency
Data reliability: All flight data, including goal declarations, marker drops, and other important information, is saved in IGC format and digitally signed with a security key. This ensures that the data cannot be altered and maintains the integrity of competition results.
Real-time transmission: If the pilot's phone has internet access during the flight, the app transmits tracking data to the cloud in real time. This allows judges to immediately review flight data, significantly reducing the time needed for analysis and result calculation after the flight.
Post-flight efficiency: Synchronizing data with the cloud eliminates the need to physically download data from SD cards, as was done before. This automation accelerates result processing, and post-flight debriefs only occur when truly necessary. Pilots can focus more on the flight and less on paperwork, improving the overall competition experience.
Results
- Streamlined competition process: The event flow becomes more efficient – faster result calculation, fewer administrative tasks, and more focus on flying.
- Increased accuracy: Digital tracking and real-time data transmission ensure precise action recording, reducing the chances of disputes or errors during result evaluation.
- Reduced debriefing time: With data available immediately after the flight, the need for lengthy debriefs is minimized. Judges can review and analyze data instantly, calculate results faster, and pilots no longer have to wait long. Debriefings occur only in exceptional cases, such as disputes or unusual events, further simplifying the competition process.
The system revolutionizes the organization and management of hot air balloon competitions.
