Multiscale Observation Networks for Optical monitoring of Coastal waters, Lakes and Estuaries (MONOCLE)

Low cost and high-autonomy sensors and platforms for optical water quality monitoring.

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. Please watch the animated introduction on the right for a two-minute introduction to the project outputs.

About the project Sensors and platforms Access data

Diagram of MONOCLE sensors connected with green dotted lines

The MONOCLE ecosystem consists of observation platforms and data. Open, shared data following the FAIR principles are already available from past and ongoing deployments. Join the sensor network to become part of a global water quality monitoring community!

The MONOCLE sensors, platforms and services have gradually started entering the market for use by monitoring agencies and research organisations. Follow the links below to learn more about each solution, contact the manufacturers or register your interest for further product updates.

Sensors and platforms

The MONOCLE sensors and platforms are listed below. More detailed information including: user guides,
data access and deployment instructions are available on their respective pages.

FreshWater Watch (FWW)

A methodology for Citizen Scientists to use sensors to investigate the health of the world’s freshwater ecosystems.

Hyperspectral Radiometer for Global & Diffuse Irradiance (HSP1)

A novel sensor to accurately measure the spectrum of sunlight near the water’s surface

iSPEX 2

Take quick and easy ocean colour measurements using this low-cost add-on for your smartphone.

KdUINO

Measure water transparency with a low-cost sensor that you can build! Advanced KdUINO sensors also detect optical and temperature stratification in the water column.

MapEO Water

Using state-of-the art drone technology to monitor water quality. The MapEO Water service converts drone data into geo-referenced images providing information on the physical properties of water bodies.

Mini-secchi disk

Measure water transparency, colour and pH with the mini-Secchi disk: a handheld device that is easily deployed from shore or boat.

Solar tracking radiometry platform (So-Rad)

Control and automate underway radiometric measurements for satellite validation from ships and buoys

Water Insight SPectrometer Station (WISPstation)

Measure water reflectance and key water quality parameters fully autonomously, emission-free, without any chemicals, at a high frequency and get results available near-real-time

Data Access

Data availability is described in the sensor/platform section. An overview is provided on the data page

Sensor and platform observation data

Real-time observation data is available on the MONOCLE dashboard which maps the location of data capture along with other platform-specific data.

Recent activity of some of the MONOCLE sensors is shown in the MONOCLE dashboards:

The above example map is from the MONOCLE observation dashboard and shows the location of observations from the Mini-Secchi disk.