Environmental Monitoring
Remote environmental monitoring depends on getting reliable data back from sensors, data loggers and gateways operating far beyond dependable terrestrial coverage. Ground Control provides satellite-enabled hardware and services for transmitting anything from small sensor readings and alerts to aggregated datasets, images and continuous IP traffic.
Our devices support low power standalone sensors, existing monitoring equipment and more complex edge computing systems, with global or near-global connectivity options matched to your data volume, urgency, power availability and deployment environment.
How we Support Environmental Sensing
Remote Sensor Connectivity
Transmit readings, alerts and equipment status from sensors deployed beyond cellular or LPWAN coverage.
Gateway Backhaul
Aggregate data from local sensor networks and send it to the cloud through a single satellite connection.
Early Warning and Event Detection
Deliver time-sensitive alerts for floods, landslides, wildfires, volcanic activity and other environmental hazards.
Remote Monitoring and Control
Monitor equipment health, change device behavior and troubleshoot deployed systems without repeated site visits.
Recommended Devices
Compact Sensor Messaging
For small readings, alarms and periodic status reports where power consumption and airtime cost need to remain low.
RockBLOCK 9603 is the compact integration option for developers building satellite connectivity directly into a sensor or data logger. RockBLOCK Plus provides the same type of message-based connectivity in a rugged enclosure, while RockBLOCK RTU connects directly to analog, digital and serial equipment and can perform local logging and control.
Larger Payloads and Gateway Data
For aggregated sensor data, richer reports and applications that need more capacity than traditional SBD messaging.These devices use Iridium Messaging Transport to send substantially larger messages while retaining a store-and-forward model. The range includes compact modules, enclosed terminals and programmable gateways with onboard processing and configurable I/O.
RockBLOCK 9704 and RockBLOCK Plus 9704 support larger message payloads in embedded and enclosed formats. RockBLOCK Pro adds onboard processing, storage and configurable I/O, with RockBLOCK Pro OEM available for integration into custom monitoring systems.
IP Connectivity and Edge Computing
For applications that require an open IP connection, frequent data transfer, image transmission or software running at the edge.
RockREMOTE Mini provides compact, low power Certus 100 connectivity, with an OEM version for embedded systems. RockREMOTE Rugged adds satellite and cellular connectivity, remote device management and support for hosted applications in a weather-resistant gateway.
Environmental Monitoring Applications
Flood and Water-Level Monitoring
Transmit water levels, rainfall, flow rates and equipment status from rivers, drainage systems and catchments. Satellite connectivity keeps data moving where cellular networks are unavailable, congested or vulnerable to the same severe weather being monitored.
Landslide, Seismic and Volcanic Monitoring
Connect instruments deployed in unstable or inaccessible terrain and send regular measurements or rapid alerts when movement exceeds a threshold. Local processing can reduce airtime by sending routine summaries while prioritizing exceptional events.
Wildfire Detection and Environmental Alerts
Carry temperature, smoke, air-quality and weather data from remote conservation areas. Two way connectivity can also confirm that a warning was received or allow reporting behavior to be changed as conditions develop.
Marine, Coastal and Polar Research
Connect buoys, coastal monitoring stations and instruments deployed in harsh, isolated environments. Rugged hardware, low power operation and truly global Iridium coverage support long-duration projects at sea and in polar regions.
Climate, Soil and Ecosystem Research
Transmit soil moisture, temperature, carbon, atmospheric and biodiversity data without waiting for researchers to retrieve equipment manually. Message-based services suit periodic readings, while higher-capacity links can support aggregated datasets and images.
Camera Traps and Image-Based Monitoring
Send alerts, metadata and selected images when wildlife or another event is detected. Where more bandwidth is required, edge processing and compression can reduce the volume of data sent over satellite.
Infrastructure Supporting Environmental Programs
Monitor pumps, gates, power systems and other equipment that supports environmental management. Two way communication allows alarms, diagnostic information and remote commands to be exchanged without a site visit.
Would you like to Trial Our Satellite Device in Your Sensor Network?
With no project too big or too small, we’re keen to see how our devices can support your environmental research and monitoring.
Simply complete the form, and one of our technical team members will respond with objective, expert advice. Or if you prefer to speak to someone directly, call us on +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa) or +1.805.783.4600 (North and South America).