The MONOCLE environmental sensors, platforms and data services are ready to provide the Earth observation research communities with a rapidly replenishing volume of reference observation data to help reduce global satellite observation uncertainty. Expanding the sensor network over a diverse range of optical water bodies will fulfil the ongoing needs of global space agencies for sensor calibration and validation over optically complex waters, and support environment agencies in integrating data flows from routine monitoring, citizen science projects and automated systems, particularly in water types that are currently undersampled.
The project has delivered mature systems to target lower-cost water colour radiometry, increase automation and to empower citizen scientists. Cost-effectiveness of in situ observation networks will improve through an increased volume of observations and increasing the interval between absolute calibrations by exploiting redundant measurements. Methodologies to optimize the integration of the point-based (and often, shore-based) observation with satellite observation and high-end reference stations will be developed to provide quality assured data from multiple sources. It is expected that these methodologies and the demonstration cases will highlight the importance of non-expert observations in data-poor areas. However, there remains work to be done to move low-cost devices into actual 'citizen science' frameworks - whilst the technology is now ready, engagement of communities to tackle local issues is key.
Management of water resources towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 will rely, due to significant data gaps, on reliable satellite observations. The satellite observation research and private sector also need in situ data to improve data interpretation methods, requiring measurements to be carried out that allow improved characterization of product uncertainties, thereby improving confidence in the correct use of satellite products. In turn, this requires an efficient network of sensors and data sharing. The solutions provided by MONOCLE are ready to contribute to this effort, which will need to be supported by space agencies, environment agencies and other umbrella organisations or data services such as Copernicus, all the while aligning the efforts of water quality observation in the field and from space assets.
The MONOCLE integrated observation service concept significantly lowers the technology and computing requirement for innovators in environmental observation in general, and water quality management in particular. The MONOCLE ‘back-end’ of data services is designed to be non-exclusive, operating on interoperable data standards of the Open Geospatial Consortium. The system now connects to multiple OGC data services, with data visualisation and analysis tools providing user interfaces which can be readily extended. Thus, the project boosts the innovation potential of app developers, environmental consultants, data analysts and visualisation artists worldwide, well beyond the duration of the project.
