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Item Global positioning system (GPS) : human factors aspects for general aviation pilots : a thesis presented in partial ...(Massey University, 1996) Nendick, Michael DeanThe allied disciplines of psychology and human factors within aviation are well established. Moreover, the benefits that their research efforts have brought to the underlying theoretical and practical application of technology within aviation are well documented. The introduction of the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a new technology in this context that has not yet received much attention in terms of its human factors implications. GPS is a satellite based navigation system, available as a non-standardised "add-on" navigation system for General Aviation (GA) aircraft. While GPS has been established within the military environment for some time it has only recently been made available to the civil aviation market. To date there has been little human factors research conducted on its use by pilots, especially in the GA industry where it has rapidly become an extremely popular navigation aid. This study aimed to utilise the fundamental principles of psychology and human factors to examine GA pilots' use of GPS. Particular reference was made to the equipment design ergonomics, the psychological attitudes and behaviours displayed when using GPS, and the implications GPS has for flight safety. The study sought information to determine whether formal training was required and to suggest the format for such training. A survey of 172 GA pilots using GPS in New Zealand was carried out to investigate five research questions proposed to provide a basis for future research. The results found that GPS was rated highly for its design and ease of use, however specific areas of GPS design needing improvement were identified. GPS was rated in a similar fashion by pilots irrespective of their individual demographic sub-groupings. While the majority of pilots were found to have positive attitudes and behaviours using GPS, some users had developed negative attitudes previously associated with automation such as over-confidence, reliance, and complacency. This had resulted in certain inappropriate behaviours. These included operating without backup means, discarding standard navigation procedures such as maintaining reference to maps and charts, and navigating with GPS before gaining an acceptable level of knowledge and competency with its use. The results appeared to be generalisable to the wider pilot population. The results suggest that formalised training incorporating human factors was required for operators to use GPS to its full potential and to avoid committing errors with possible hazardous consequences.Item An application of satellite tracking technologies to conserve wildlife : a case study approach : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand(Massey University, 2010) Thomas, Bindi; Thomas, BindiWildlife management is an important area of conservation and has become a priority for many countries and organisations around the world. One of the fundamental components of a sound wildlife management plan is a good understanding of a species’ behaviour and habitat. For animals within inaccessible environments, satellite tracking provides a powerful tool for revealing information on animal movements and their habitat requirements. In this dissertation, the conservation benefits and technical effectiveness of satellite tracking are examined through four case studies representing a diverse range of threatened species studied for periods between six months and five years. The studies revealed important ecological insights on the in situ movement and behaviour of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana), Kruger National Park, South Africa; the New Zealand bush falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae), Central North Island, New Zealand; the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Darwin, Australia; and the northern royal albatross (Diomedea sanfordi), Taiaroa Head, New Zealand and Chile. For each of these studies, satellite telemetry provided location data enabling analyses of the animals’ movements and home ranges, and these analyses inform specific management recommendations. For example, the long time series study on African elephants highlighted the importance of developing reciprocal animal management policies where cross-boundary movements of animals occurred between adjacent parks. The strengths and weaknesses of different satellite tracking systems are compared and guidelines developed to assist wildlife managers in selecting the best technology to suit their research needs. An assessment of the trade-offs between the technical features built into transmitters and the associated cost is also presented. The study shows how the use of satellite tracking systems provides conservation agencies with a better understanding of wildlife behaviour and strengthens their ability to improve wildlife management planning.