Dynamic AUV Mission and Data Visualization with Google Earth

AUVs are currently being used for doing scientific observations of deep ocean water where it is difficult for humans to reach. As these vehicles are autonomous and moving underwater, it is difficult for operators and Engineers know what they are doing. This report describes an implementation of a dynamic AUV mission and data visualization tool that interacts with TREX, an intelligent AUV control SW developed at MBARI, and uses Google Earth to show observed data in a geospatial context to aid the understanding and analysis of scientists and to help AUV programmers understand decisions and activities taken by the autonomous agent.