Reliable sensors and robust testing: understanding technical needs at the LandSeaLot Integration Labs
One of LandSeaLot’s objectives is to expand our capacity to observe the land-sea interface area (LSI) using cost-effective technology: affordable, reliable sensors and other devices. From small coin-shaped sensors measuring temperature, to autonomous sensors affixed to moored buoys and boats, this technology can be used by both researchers and citizen scientist groups. The technology is being tested across Europe in sites known as the LandSeaLot Integration Labs (LILs), and will ultimately help collect new observations and fill existing data gaps.
To help achieve this objective, partners from Work Package Four (WP4) met with LIL representatives to understand each individual lab’s requirements. Each LIL reported specific needs and opportunities. For instance, the North Aegean, Tagus and Sado estuaries system, Seine estuary and bay, Firth of Forth and Wadden Sea, Rhine delta and Elbe estuary LILs reported a need for different types of cost-effective sensors to measure diverse parameters such as temperature, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll-a. More specifically, the North Aegean and the Tagus and Sado estuaries system LILs demonstrated interest to test cost-effective cameras to count macroplastic and low-cost fixed stations to measure water level respectively.
Key Points
One of the ways LandSeaLot participants are observing the land-sea interface area is with cost-effective technology
These affordable, reliable sensors and other devices can be used by researchers and citizen scientists alike
This tech will be tested in LandSeaLot Integration Labs across Europe, who have reported different technology needs and applications
LandSeaLot is excited to announce the launch of the low-cost technology procurement procedure, which will equip the labs with sensors to test
The Po Delta and North Adriatic and Baltic Sea LILs reported a need for high levels of accuracy for some specific parameters which low-cost sensors are not able to provide today or a need for parameters such as CO2 that low-cost sensors are not yet capturing well. The Danube delta and coastal area and Gulf of Lions, Rhone delta LILs mainly rely on remote sensing, numerical modelling and traditional ocean observation techniques (e.g. sampling from research cruises or from FerryBox systems, tide gauges and buoy stations).
Before low-cost sensors can be used, they need to be purchased and tested. LandSeaLot recently launched the low-cost technology procurement procedure, a process that will equip the LILs with sensors to test. In conversation with WP4 partners, nearly all LILs expressed interest in testing sensors driven by curiosity, even when their main source of data is not gleaned from these methods. Other testing opportunities will be explored in the coming months.
Procuring and testing cost-effective sensors and devices is essential to enhancing and scaling up current efforts to observe the LSI. Low-cost sensors can be used by a wider range of people, such as boaters and kayakers, and deployed in a wider array of contexts.
In early 2025, LandSeaLot plans to release a special catalogue of affordable available technology. We plan to continue expanding this catalogue with input from both sellers and partners, in order to promote and democratise the use of cost-effective sensors and devices in oceanography and beyond.
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