This year we were able to implement new remote access options on our ecoPi devices.
Our devices were successfully in use with three different, project-specific remote access functions:
1. Operational monitoring of the devices
The devices are programmed to send a status report to an externally accessible database on a regular basis. Using this data the status of the devices in the field can be visualized on a map, for example using a Shiny web application, providing a quick overview of the operational status of all recording devices installed in the study area at any one time.
We used this function in the following ecoPi projects:
For the recording of bird song in a nature reserve in northern Germany (ecoPi:Bird), for attracting Common Terns in Switzerland (ecoPi:Boom) and for the acoustic recording of Rails in Neeracherried (ecoPi:Bird2D).
2. Synchronising data to external cloud storage
The devices can upload certain files to cloud storage via an internet connection. These files can then be retrieved from the cloud at any time..
We used this option with the ecoPi:Bug and were able to remotely view the images captured by the insect photo traps in the field. This function was also used with the ecoPi:Boom, although audio files rather than images were stored on the cloud from this device. In both cases, this type of remote access makes it possible to view the collected data prior to retrieving the devices from the field. Furthermore, the operation of technical components can also be monitored in this way (e.g. it is possible to check whether the recording microphone is working and whether the UV-light „lure“ surface of the insect photo trap lights up).
3. Adjustments of device settings
The devices can be externally programmed with new scripts and thus recording parameters, for example, can be changed.
This function is very important for the ecoPi:Bug. Here, an experimental adjustment of recording parameters (image recording times, shutter speeds etc.) in the field was planned from the start of the project. This function could also be used to change the duration of the „lure phase“ of the ecoPi:Bug, in which phototactic insects are attracted to the camera trap via the UV-light panel.
As these examples show, remote access can be used in various ways and adapted to the respective project-specific requirements.
In this way surveying and monitoring can be optimised in terms of data collection, time management and budget management.
… what’s coming next year?
The next step - and a long-term planned goal - is to implement live acoustic recognition of different species on our devices. More specifically it should be possible to identify bird calls, recorded by the ecoPi:Bird, in real time and transmit these results via remote access. With this advancement the monitoring of target bird species in particular can be implemented more efficiently.
Of course we will inform you about the progress of the live detection!