Building an ROV to Solve Missing Person Cases

BY Mark Howell 1 years ago4 MINS READ
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Part 1 - Introduction

I didn’t know it back then but it all started while I was reading Hacker News in February 2019 and stumbled upon a story called "The Hunt for the Death Valley Germans". The real life events behind the story are unbelievably tragic but how the case was solved was remarkable. How the perseverance of a single guy led to him solving the case and by doing so, he was able to bring much relief to the families of the victims. Reading the story got me thinking how I could do this kind of thing myself. I read the story a couple of times and sent it to my brother. I knew that he would be interested in the story as he is into these kinds of things as much as what I am.
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>Digital tools like ROVs can provide critical breakthroughs in solving cold cases.
After reading the article, we talked for quite a long time about various missing person cases and how to solve them. By the autumn of 2020 the story had faded from my mind until my brother called me with an interesting missing person case. That phone call was the starting point of the most interesting adventure I’ve ever had, and it led to us solving two missing person cold cases, which had been unsolved for 9 and 15 years. This story is written based on my notes, photos, videos, GPS logs, sonar images, and other digital footprints. The facts were checked whenever it was possible. If there are any errors in the story, they are, of course, mine. Maps would make following the story easier but I chose not to provide them. For those who are eager and skilled enough, you can deduce the actual places from public sources and my descriptions.
This story is not just an account of adventure but also a testament to the power of technology and the human spirit's desire to uncover the truth. It shows how a combination of determination, modern technology, and curiosity can lead to solving mysteries that have baffled many for years.

Remember these 3 key ideas for your startup:

  1. Leveraging Technology:
    - Modern tools and technologies like Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and sonar imaging can offer new avenues for solving old problems. Innovating by incorporating such advanced tools in your startup can set you apart and provide unique solutions to the market. For more insights, check out this guide to working remotely in Edworking.

  2. Perseverance Pays Off:
    - The story underscores the importance of persistence and determination. A startup, like any significant effort, often faces numerous challenges. However, continued effort and a relentless pursuit of your goals can turn seemingly insurmountable problems into solvable tasks. Discover more about project monitoring and how to track and control projects.

  3. Collaboration:
    - The collaboration with family (brother in this context) highlights the importance of working together. Bringing different perspectives and skills to solve a problem is invaluable. Foster a collaborative environment within your startup to harness the full potential of your team. Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Edworking can enhance productivity and teamwork.
    Edworking is the best and smartest decision for SMEs and startups to be more productive. Edworking is a FREE superapp of productivity that includes all you need for work powered by AI in the same superapp, connecting Task Management, Docs, Chat, Videocall, and File Management. Save money today by not paying for Slack, Trello, Dropbox, Zoom, and Notion.
    The adventure that began with a story on Hacker News led to extraordinary accomplishments. For startups and SMEs, this translates to seizing opportunities, harnessing technology, and nurturing perseverance and collaboration—key elements that can drive success.
    For more details, see the original source.

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About the Author: Mark Howell Linkedin

Mark Howell is a talented content writer for Edworking's blog, consistently producing high-quality articles on a daily basis. As a Sales Representative, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, providing valuable insights and actionable advice for readers in the education industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sharing knowledge, Mark is an indispensable member of the Edworking team. His expertise in task management ensures that he is always on top of his assignments and meets strict deadlines. Furthermore, Mark's skills in project management enable him to collaborate effectively with colleagues, contributing to the team's overall success and growth. As a reliable and diligent professional, Mark Howell continues to elevate Edworking's blog and brand with his well-researched and engaging content.

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