MONOCLE
Multiscale Observation Networks for Optical monitoring of Coastal waters, Lakes and Estuaries
MONOCLE developed low cost and high-autonomy sensors and platforms for optical water quality monitoring of coastal waters, lakes and estuaries.
The Problem
Inland and transitional water bodies are particularly vulnerable to direct human impacts, yet they represent areas of the weakest performance in current Earth Observation capability, despite the major technological advances in recent decades. At the same time, these areas are of great economic importance and are crucial to sustainable food, energy, and clean water supply.
Aims
MONOCLE aimed to create sustainable in situ observation solutions for Earth Observation of optical water quality in inland and transitional waters. Developing essential research and technology to lower the cost of acquisition, maintenance, and regular deployment of in situ sensors.
Approach
The MONOCLE project has developed an affordable ecosystem of networked sensors and platforms to provide better integration of monitoring methods for optical water quality and atmospheric properties with satellite observation. Methods range from low-cost devices for citizen-science projects to the use of consumer drones, to fully automated reference systems for ships-of-opportunity and stable offshore platforms
Earthwatch’s Role
MONOCLE made use of Earthwatch’s FreshWater Watch approach: a methodology for Citizen Scientists to use sensors to investigate the health of the world’s freshwater ecosystems.
Partners
- PLYMOUTH MARINE LABORATORY LIMITED (coordinator)
- UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
- VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK N.V.
- THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING
- AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
- TANZANIA FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA-GEOECOMAR
- WATER INSIGHT BV
- SITEMARK
- SCHMIDT NORBERT CARL
- PEAK DESIGN LIMITED