Dataset-13: AERPAW helikite spectrum measurements at Packapalooza Festival in August 2024
Lead Experimenter
Ozgur Ozdemir, North Carolina State University
Link to Dataset
- Dataset Link:
The dataset includes power spectrum measurements and GPS logs that are collected at a drone in an urban environment. The SigMF format dataset including format conversion codes can be accessed here [Dryad].
Publications Using This Dataset
- A. H. F. Raouf, D. Lee, M. Rahman, S. Masrur, G. Reddy, C. Dickerson, M. S. Hossen, S. Vargas Villar, A. Gürses, S. Singh, S. J. Maeng, M. Ezuma, C. Roberts, M. R. Sarbudeen, T. J. Zajkowski, M. Mushi, O. Ozdemir, R. Asokan, I. Guvenc, M. L. Sichitiu, R. Dutta, “Curated Wireless Datasets for Aerial Networks Research,” Nature npj Wireless Technology, June 2026.
- A. H. F. Raouf, I. Guvenc, “Inter-Year Transfer of Altitude-Dependent Spectrum Activity Models Using Minimal Calibration,” IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, January 2026.
- D. Lee, S. J. Maeng, O. Ozdemir, M. B. Pandian, I. Guvenc, “Reliability of Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G-based UAV RC links in ISM bands: Uplink interference asymmetry analysis and HARQ design,” IEEE Open J. Commun. Society, January 2025.
- A. F. H. Raouf, I. Guvenc, “Multi-Year Spectral Structure of 6G Candidate Bands at 2.7 GHz and 4.4 GHz,” Proc. IEEE DySpan Workshops, May 2026.
- A. H. F. Raouf, I. Guvenc, “Beyond Path Loss: Altitude-Dependent Spectral Structure Modeling for UAV Measurements,” Proc. IEEE International Symposium on Spectrum Innovation (DySPAN), May 2026.
- D. Lee, S. J. Maeng, O. Ozdemir, M. B. Pandian, I. Guvenc, “Interference-Asymmetric UAV Remote Control Links: Measurements and Performance Evaluation,” Proc. IEEE MILCOM Workshops, October 2025.
- A. H. F. Raouf, “Improving Wireless Spectrum Utilization: Hybrid VLC-RF Networks and Sub-6 GHz Aerial Spectrum Measurements, Analysis, and Datasets,” Ph.D. dissertation, January 2026.
- D. Lee, “Ray Tracing-Based MIMO Link Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Asymmetric Links for UAV Networks,” Ph.D. dissertation, January 2026.
Equipment and Software Used
LPN on Helikite, USRP B205mini on LPN, UHD1 Spectrum monitoring software
Description
We conducted a spectrum monitoring experiment using a helikite in an urban environment during NC State’s Packapalooza festival in August 2024. 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 180 meters at its peak. The spectrum was continuously swept up to 6 GHz, with each sweep taking about 15 seconds.
Representative Results
The Helikite’s trajectory, altitude during the experiment, and spectrum monitoring results are presented below.
Potential use cases for this dataset include:
- Enhancing Spectrum Management
- Environmental and Geographical Analysis of Spectrum
- Spectrum Occupancy Modeling at all sub-6 GHz Bands