What are the best environmental monitoring tools for you to use?

1 Sensors and probes

Sensors and probes are devices that detect and measure physical, chemical, or biological parameters in the environment, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, or contaminants. They can be attached to fixed or mobile platforms, such as buoys, drones, or vehicles, and transmit data wirelessly or store it for later retrieval. Sensors and probes can provide real-time, continuous, or periodic information on the environmental conditions and changes, and help you identify trends, anomalies, and risks.

2 Remote sensing

Remote sensing is the technique of collecting and interpreting data from a distance, using satellites, aircraft, or ground-based instruments. Remote sensing can capture images, spectra, or signals of the earth's surface, atmosphere, or ocean, and reveal features, patterns, or processes that are not visible to the naked eye. Remote sensing can help you monitor large-scale or inaccessible areas, such as forests, wetlands, or glaciers, and assess the effects of land use, climate change, or natural disasters on the environment.

3 GIS and mapping

GIS (geographic information system) and mapping are tools that allow you to store, manipulate, analyze, and visualize spatial data. GIS and mapping can help you integrate and overlay different types of data, such as environmental, demographic, or socio-economic, and create maps, charts, or models that show the spatial distribution, relationships, or trends of environmental variables. GIS and mapping can help you plan, manage, and communicate your environmental projects, and support decision-making and policy-making.

4 Sampling and testing

Sampling and testing are methods of collecting and examining physical or biological samples from the environment, such as water, soil, air, or organisms. Sampling and testing can help you verify, validate, or complement the data obtained from other tools, and provide more detailed or accurate information on the environmental quality, health, or diversity. Sampling and testing can involve fieldwork, laboratory work, or both, and require proper protocols, equipment, and standards to ensure the reliability and comparability of the results.

5 Software and apps

Software and apps are applications that run on computers, smartphones, or tablets, and help you process, manage, or share your environmental data. Software and apps can offer various functions, such as data entry, storage, analysis, visualization, reporting, or collaboration. Software and apps can help you streamline your workflow, improve your efficiency, and enhance your communication and engagement with your clients, stakeholders, or the public.

6 Citizen science

Citizen science is the involvement of non-professional volunteers in environmental monitoring activities, such as data collection, observation, or reporting. Citizen science can help you expand your scope, scale, or frequency of your monitoring, and leverage the knowledge, skills, or resources of the local community. Citizen science can also help you raise awareness, educate, or empower the public, and foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?