Decentlab Sensors enhance Winter Road Safety in Zurich

We are thrilled to announce that Decentlab's innovative sensor solutions have been chosen by the Zurich Cantonal Civil Engineering Office to enhance safety on cantonal roads.

In this initial phase, our DL-CWS2 | High-Precision Winter Road Maintenance Sensor with Radiation Shield for LoRaWAN® have been installed to deliver early warnings to the winter service about icy conditions, allowing for prompt and targeted responses. By November 2025, more than 100 of these stations will be operational across the canton, providing precise and reliable data via LoRaWAN that will not only enhance road safety but also optimize resource utilization in winter services, in line with the principles of sustainable infrastructure.

These advanced sensors measure critical parameters, including road surface temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, and dew point temperature. By continuously monitoring these factors, they can accurately determine when conditions are favorable for ice formation and provide timely alerts to the winter service.

Let the winter begin!

Upcoming Event – AGU 2024 in Washington

Decentlab at AGU 2024 in Washington!

From December 9th to 13th, Decentlab will be part of the AGU 2024 in Washington, D.C. – the world’s largest event for Earth and space sciences. Under the theme “What’s Next for Science?”, this gathering provides a unique platform to exchange knowledge, drive innovation, and address global challenges.

We’re excited to present our advanced LoRaWAN® environmental monitoring solutions, which support research and sustainable practices worldwide.

It’s going to be an exciting week as we connect with the global scientific community, share ideas, and contribute to the future of environmental research. 

Visit us at AGU 2024 – we can’t wait to meet you!

Plants are growing, and Elephants are coming!

Monitoring with Decentlab Sensors in the Naibunga Community Conservancy’s “Semi-Circular Bunds” Project:

We are excited to see the progress of our customer, Wyss Academy for Nature, which, in collaboration with the Naibunga Community Conservancy, is driving an inspiring project in Kenya to rejuvenate dry soils.  The project's central focus is on the use of semi-circular bunds, an innovative structure designed to enhance water infiltration, improve soil moisture, and create optimal conditions for plant growth.

With the help of Decentlab's DL-SMTP | Soil Moisture and Temperature Profile for LoRaWAN®, soil moisture and temperature are continuously monitored within these "Earth Smiles." The collected data will unveil a striking transformation, with lush greenery replacing arid landscapes, which serves to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method. Furthermore, the return of elephants to the area signals a thriving ecosystem and the restoration of natural habitats.

This project serves as a powerful example of how targeted, evidence-based interventions, when coupled with precise monitoring, can be used to sustainably enhance ecosystem resilience. We are honored to support Wyss Academy in their mission to build a more resilient and more sustainable environment for society and nature.

Watch the video about the project and see live demo of DL-SMTP.

Devastating Floods in Spain: Climate Change and the Need for Early Warnings Systems

The recent heavy rainfall and flash floods in Spain caused severe damage, resulting in numerous fatalities and significant economic losses. 

These catastrophic floods were caused by a combination of weather events and climate change. A key factor was the Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA), which occurs when cold air from the polar regions collides with warm Mediterranean air, triggering intense rainfall and flash floods. Rising sea temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture mean the atmosphere can hold more water, significantly raising the likelihood of extreme precipitation. In some areas, 491 liters of rain per square meter fell within just eight hours, which is equivalent to an entire year's rainfall.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights how climate change accelerates the hydrological cycle, making weather events more unpredictable and extreme. Studies show that rainfall in affected regions was approximately 12% more intense and twice as likely compared to the pre-industrial period. Given these changes, the WMO stresses the need for enhanced global early warning systems to better prepare for and mitigate such disasters.

The Early Warnings for All initiative, which seeks to ensure universal access to early warning systems, plays a crucial role in minimizing losses and damage. Accurate measurements of key environmental factors are essential. Sensors like Decentlab's DL-MBX, which provide real-time data for flood monitoring, form the foundation for the development and implementation of robust early warning systems.

Read full article and see a live demo of DL-MBX

Upcoming Event – Smart City Expo

Exciting times ahead — Barcelona, here we come! From November 5-7, we’ll be at the Smart City Expo World Congress, the leading event for building better cities.

The Smart City Expo is the world’s top event for urban innovation, bringing together experts, companies, and institutions from around the globe to develop solutions for the cities of tomorrow. This year’s focus will be on sustainability, digital transformation, and climate-friendly technologies.

Decentlab will showcase its latest IoT sensor solutions, enabling cities to collect real-time environmental data and make informed decisions. Visit us to learn how we’re making cities smarter and more livable through innovative technology!

All Decentlab Devices now integrated into Akenza and TagoIO

We are pleased to announce that all Decentlab devices are now fully integrated into the existing IoT platforms Akenza and TagoIO.

This integration allows you to easily access and manage every Decentlab sensor within these platforms, streamlining your operations and enhancing your ability to gather real-time data.

Our devices can connect through various leading networks, including Actility, Swisscom, LORIOT, The Things Network, Helium, Everynet, and Senet, among others, providing you with the flexibility needed for your IoT deployments.

Additionally, many other platforms are compatible with our devices. For more information, visit our website.

What Is Particulate Matter?

The American Lung Association has published an insightful article about particulate matter (PM) that explains the topic well. Particulate matter consists of tiny particles such as dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. While some particles are visible, many require a microscope to be seen. PM is categorized by size: larger particles are called PM10, while finer particles are known as PM2.5, which pose the greatest health risks.

Sources of Particulate Matter
Particulate matter comes from various sources, including:

• Cooking: Frying, grilling, or using gas stoves.

• Combustion Activities: Smoking, burning candles, and using fireplaces.

• Household Products: Cleaning agents, air fresheners, and aerosol sprays.

• Hobbies: Woodworking, metalworking, and crafting.

• Biological Sources: Mold spores, dust mites, and cockroaches.

• Outdoor Air: Vehicle emissions, wildfires, and industrial activities. Particle pollution can enter buildings through windows and ventilation systems.

Health Impacts of Particulate Matter
Inhalation of PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irritation and exacerbating conditions like asthma and COPD, as well as leading to pneumonia, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Sensors like Decentlab's DL-PM | Particulate Matter, Temperature, Humidity and Barometric Pressure Sensor for LoRaWAN® and DL-IAM | Indoor Ambiance Monitor including CO₂, TVOC and Motion Sensor for LoRaWAN® help keep air quality in check, ensuring safer air for all.

Read full article, realtime demo of PM monitoring

Groundwater: Alarming Trends and the Need for Monitoring

In many parts of the world, alarming trends in groundwater are being observed as water levels dramatically decline in numerous regions. An analysis by CORRECTIV highlights concerning data for Germany: over a span of 32 years, groundwater levels have generally decreased more than they have increased.

The primary causes of this decline are human activities, particularly water extraction by industries, agriculture, and mining, which lead to water scarcity and conflicts over water resources. The lack of transparency regarding groundwater levels is exacerbated by the absence of standardized data collection. Additionally, the climate crisis intensifies the situation by hindering groundwater replenishment and increasing water demand.

To better understand this critical situation, CORRECTIV has developed an interactive map that provides an overview of groundwater level trends in Germany, based on data from approximately 6,700 measuring points. This map illustrates the alarming trends of recent decades.

Moreover, it is once again evident how essential data collection and long-term measurements are. Environmental sensors like the DL-PR26 and DL-PR36 facilitate continuous monitoring, providing valuable real-time data to swiftly respond to changes in groundwater levels.

Read full article, realtime demo of water level monitoring with DL-PR36

Get Ready for Winter – Smart Road Maintenance

As autumn arrives and the first snow has already fallen at higher levels, it’s time to start preparing for winter. Environmental sensors provide critical benefits for winter road maintenance, enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability:

Targeted operations
Real-time data ensures precise deployment of plowing and salting vehicles where needed.
Safety
Early detection of hazardous areas helps prevent accidents by addressing problem spots promptly.
Smarter resource management
Data-driven strategies optimize the use of personnel, vehicles, and materials.
Minimized environmental impact
Reduced use of salt protects soils and waterways, leading to a more sustainable approach.

Accurate and Reliable Data
Decentlab's DL-CWS | High-Precision Winter Road Maintenance Sensor for LoRaWAN® accurately measures road surface temperature, air temperature, dew point, and air humidity, providing real-time data to improve winter road operations.

Easy Installation and Low Maintenance
Easy to install, the DL-CWS and DL-CWS2 operate for years with minimal maintenance, powered by standard Alkaline C-type batteries and housed in durable, weatherproof enclosures.

Experiment investigates Air and Soil Dryness in Forests

The remarkable installation in the Pfynwald forest in Valais, Switzerland, is part of the globally unique “VPDrought” experiment, designed to unravel the effects of soil and air droughts in a natural forest ecosystem. This study explores how both air and soil dryness impact mature forest pines. The 130-year-old trees receive varying amounts of soil water, and high-pressure nozzles in some of the canopies spray water vapor during the day to reduce the vapor pressure deficit (VPD) by about 20 to 30 percent.

Our client and partner, WSL (Swiss Federal Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape) and EPFL, are examining how these conditions affect tree resilience and dieback processes. The experiment will evaluate the effects of soil and air drought on plant physiology and ecosystem health. It will offer valuable information for developing future climate models and forest management strategies.

Read full article

Floods and Drought Research

The UK government is investing £38 million in advanced research infrastructure to improve the understanding and prediction of floods and droughts. The project will utilize cutting-edge technology to monitor and analyze key aspects of the water environment.

Digital instruments will be installed along major UK rivers to continuously collect real-time data on evaporation, soil moisture, weather conditions, groundwater levels, and river flows. Advanced computer models will then process this data to provide accurate forecasts.

The Flood and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) will create a detailed data network through "outdoor labs" on rivers such as the Severn, Chess, and Tweed. This network is designed to enhance forecasting capabilities and develop new technologies. By integrating and analyzing the collected data, the project aims to improve the prediction and management of extreme weather events, ultimately boosting protection for communities and infrastructure.

Read full article

Upcoming Event – World Groundwater Congress

Decentlab is excited to participate in the World Groundwater Congress in Davos from September 8 to 13!

Groundwater, a vital resource facing growing pressures, requires enhanced understanding of its interactions with rivers, lakes, ecosystems, and the cryosphere, especially in the face of extreme events.

The congress will focus on advancing methodologies and developing sustainable groundwater management strategies by addressing the complex water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus. We look forward to engaging with experts from industry, public administration, international organizations, and development agencies to share knowledge and tackle these critical challenges together.

Be part of the event and visit our booth. We look forward to seeing you there.

Like a Sponge: Could this be the Future of Urban Water Systems?

A sponge city is an urban concept designed to make cities more resilient to floods and extreme weather events. The city functions like a sponge, absorbing rainwater, storing it, and slowly releasing it. This is achieved through permeable surfaces, green spaces, green roofs, and rainwater storage systems, which together reduce the risk of flooding and improve water supply during dry periods. National Geographic explains this concept in an engaging and insightful article.

Environmental sensors are crucial in sponge cities, as they monitor key parameters such as soil moisture, rainfall, and water levels in real-time. For instance, Decentlab’s DL-SMTP sensor measures soil moisture and temperature, while the DL-PR26 tracks ground water and water levels, and the DL-MBX provides ultrasonic distance and water level measurements. These sensors help optimize water absorption and storage, prevent flooding, and ensure water and air quality. This continuous data collection enables better planning and adaptation, enhancing the resilience of sponge cities to climate change impacts.

Read article

Heat Islands & Cooling Strategies

What are Heat Islands?
Heat islands are urban areas where buildings and roads absorb and re-emit more heat than natural landscapes, causing higher temperatures.

Causes of Heat Islands

• Reduced Natural Landscapes: Less vegetation means less shading and cooling.

• Material Properties: Asphalt and concrete retain more heat.

• Urban Geometry: Dense buildings restrict airflow and heat dissipation.

• Human Activities: Vehicles and air conditioning add extra heat.

• Weather and Geography: Clear, calm weather intensifies heat islands; wind and clouds lessen them.

Cooling Strategies for Heat Islands

• Increasing Vegetation: Adds shading and cooling.

• Green Roofs: Reduces roof temperatures and improves stormwater management.

• Cool Roofs: Reflective materials lower roof temperatures.

• Cool Pavements: Heat-absorbent materials on sidewalks and streets.

• Smart Growth: Development that enhances environmental quality and livability.

Monitoring of Heat Islands
Sensors like DL-BLG, DL-SHT35, DL-ATM22 and DL-ATM41 enable precise and continuous environmental data collection, helping to understand and address heat islands more effectively.

• Accurate Data: Offer precise temperature and environmental measurements.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Detect temperature changes quickly.

• Long-Term Analysis: Reveal trends for assessing cooling strategies.

• Spatial Variations: Identify specific hotspots for targeted actions.

• Effective Strategy Development: Inform effective cooling measures.

• Enhance Planning: Help cities develop sustainable solutions.

Recent Storms and Floods: Enhancing Resilience

The recent floods and severe weather in Switzerland and neighboring countries have deeply saddened us and tragically claimed several lives. According to a meteorologist from SRF Meteo, moist air masses in the southern Alps and a cold front over Switzerland may have played a role in these events, while saturated soils from previous rains may have facilitated landslides. It would seem that such events are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of climate change.

Our client and partner, the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL), addresses questions about these weather events and emphasizes the crucial role of advanced technologies in timely data capture and provision. Sensors like the DL-MBX | Ultrasonic Distance / Level Sensor for LoRaWAN® have been specifically developed for flood monitoring and water level measurement. They are indispensable for early warning systems, providing precise data to assess risks and protect residents and their surroundings.

Read full article
Realtime demo of DL-MBX

See the Air – Mass vs Particle Number

Traditionally, air quality has been monitored by measuring the mass concentration of particles (PM), i.e., the total mass of particles per unit volume of air. However, this method is insufficient for submicron particles (diameter < 1 micrometer). These tiny particles are numerous, but their low mass might obscure the health risks.

A better method is to measure the particle number by size distribution. This provides important insights, as different sources produce different particle sizes.

Advantages of Particle Size Distribution:

• Source Identification: Differences in particle sizes help identify emission sources (e.g., vehicles, industry).

• Targeted Regulations: Regulations can be designed to address specific particle size ranges associated with health risks.

• More Effective Monitoring: Monitoring can focus on the most hazardous particle types.

Sensors like the DL-PM, which transmits particulate matter measurements along with temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure data over LoRaWAN®, enable researchers and decision-makers to gather valuable insights.

Read full article
Realtime demo of DL-PM

City Climate Monitoring - Urban Heat Maps

The alarming increase in heat-related deaths highlights the urgent need to address the complex issue of land use, particularly as urban areas continue to grow and more individuals relocate from rural regions to cities on a daily basis. Heat waves represent one of the most significant natural hazards, with a particular need to protect vulnerable groups from heat stress.

Meteoblue's Urban Heat Maps provide hyperlocal forecasts tailored to city environments, equipping both residents and town planners with the tools to assess the impact of climate change adaptation measures, such as targeted green space introduction in urban areas.

Heat maps illustrate how minor alterations can have a significant impact. 

Meteoblue and a number of cities employ a range of Decentlab devices for city climate monitoring and urban heat stress assessment, including the DL-BLG, DL-ATM22, DL-SMTP, DL-SHT35, and others.

Growing Flood Risk

Massive floods occurred in Germany and other parts of Europe in early June. The Süddeutsche Zeitung addressed the increased occurrence of intense rainfall and flooding, driven by climate change. Warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall, while rising temperatures provide more energy for extreme weather events.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns of growing flood risks in Europe. Thanks to modern sensor technology, prediction accuracy has improved, enabling early evacuations. Adaptation measures such as expanding flood protection and early warning systems have already reduced fatalities.

Nature-based solutions, such as the restoration of floodplains and reforestation projects, play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of floods. However, construction continues in flood-prone areas, exacerbating risks. Over 1,000 new houses are built in such zones annually, despite 300,000 buildings already being threatened. It is urgently necessary to develop long-term solutions that consider climate change and prevent future disasters.

Read full article (only in german)

Global Decline in Groundwater Levels

Global groundwater extraction has significantly increased, leading to drastic declines in water levels in many aquifers. Despite these alarming trends, there is hope. Success stories from various regions demonstrate that proactive measures can contribute to the restoration and preservation of groundwater reserves.

Particularly noteworthy are the collaborative efforts in areas like Geneva, where unregulated withdrawals led to a water crisis but were mitigated through successful stabilization and replenishment measures of the aquifers. Additionally, initiatives such as extensive pipeline projects in Spain and the diversion of river water to replenish aquifers in Arizona highlight the potential to mitigate groundwater decline.

Additionally, sensors like DL-PR26, DL-PR36, and DL-PR36CTD play a crucial role in effectively monitoring and managing groundwater resources by providing precise data and early detection of potential issues.

Realtime demo of DL-PR36

Read full article

Forest Adaptation to extreme Climatic Conditions

This report is based on a segment from Swiss Television that discusses the challenges and strategies for adapting forests to the impacts of climate change.

Climate change poses a threat to our forests, particularly to tree species such as spruce and beech. A study predicts that by 2100, up to 50% of tree species may no longer thrive in their current locations.

To aid in forest adaptation, embracing diversity becomes paramount. By integrating both traditional and novel species, and introducing varieties from southern regions such as the black pine, we can bolster resilience.

Also central to this effort is the utilization of sensor technology to monitor growth conditions. Decentlab sensors like DL-TRS12, DL-ISF or DL-ZN1 Dendrometer for LoRaWAN are valuable tools for monitoring and protecting forests. The data they provide is crucial for creating forecasts and models for forest development.

Realtime demo of DL-TRS12

Listen to the report (german)

Further reading: Publication by University of Vienna and TU Munich, TreeNet - The biological drought and growth indicator network