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[ui!] ENVIRONMENT

Municipal sensor systems and data as the key to municipal sustainability

Brief information

  • Added value for citizens
  • Implementing digitalisation
  • Recognising environmentally relevant developments
  • Improved environmental management
  • Be prepared for future tasks

Data-based solutions as the key to municipal sustainability: [ui!] ENVIRONMENT

Municipalities face numerous challenges in order to maintain a healthy and clean environment and to develop and implement suitable measures. The ultimate goal is to maintain and further improve the high standard of living in the municipalities. Are you wondering how digitalisation could help you achieve your (statutory) sustainability goals?

Imagine your municipality uses sensors that immediately sound the alarm when water levels rise and thus warn affected citizens of flooding in good time.

Similarly, a noise monitoring system monitors noise pollution at road junctions and train lines and provides information about increased levels so that a factual basis for noise protection measures can be created.

Functionalities

  • recognise environmentally relevant developments at an early stage and act quickly.

  • organise your municipal environmental management more efficiently and transparently in order to comply with legal limits.

  • improve the quality of life of your citizens.

Who is [ui!] CLIMATE aimed at?

[ui!] ENVIRONMENT im Überblick

The [ui!] ENVIRONMENT solution is made up of the four function modules:

  • soil moisture monitoring, 
  • air quality monitoring, 
  • water level monitoring, 
  • noise monitoring

Each of these modules deals with a separate sub-topic.

Standards and cooperation

The digitalisation of the public sector generates municipal data as part of digital applications and municipal infrastructures using digital measurement and control devices. This data is often stored in silos of municipal infrastructures and is used in a specialised and isolated manner.

By using an open urban data platform in accordance with DIN SPEC 91357, this data can be securely brought together in a central location.

The [ui!] ENVIRONMENT portfolio of function modules is based on the [ui!] UrbanPulse open urban data platform. Data can be combined from different data sources and visualised in a targeted manner in order to create the tools for a comprehensive picture of a municipality's key environmental concerns.

As a central component of municipal urban development, [ui!] ENVIRONMENT with its environmental data is an excellent link to the [ui!] TRAFFIC and [ui!] PARKING solutions.

In combination, these solutions provide you with a comprehensive picture of your municipality's key environmental concerns and are suitable building blocks for implementing your environmental strategy on the basis of solid data.

Visualisation and decision support

At [ui!], we believe that municipal digitalisation must be considered and communicated holistically. That's why our solutions ensure that the evaluation results can be visualised both internally and externally.

  • The [ui!] COCKPIT is the option to visualise processed data for citizens. With the help of a public smart city cockpit, you can provide the public with aggregated information about the local environment.

    COCKPIT Frankfurt

  • The [ui!] DATALAB is the tool for advanced environmental data analyses that provides specialist users with a municipal situation picture (e.g. climate managers, digitalisation department, and many others). It integrates seamlessly into [ui!] UrbanPulse and thus promotes cross-departmental collaboration.

    COCKPIT Frankfurt

Connection and connectors

If external data from existing systems or in-house sensor technology is to be integrated, it must be connected to the Open Urban Data Platform via a so-called connector.

Konnektorenliste

All use cases that we have tested and preconfigured can be selected from our standard set of use cases for specific topics. The prerequisite is that your data sources can be connected with existing connectors from our [ui!] connector library.

The visualisation, which is based on the standard tile catalogue without any changes, is pre-configured by you using the configurator and then created for you by us.

If no connector is available for your desired system, we can develop a connector for you. Please discuss this option with us directly.

Konnektoren-Liste

Get started right away - With the data from [ui!]

To use the [ui!] ENVIRONMENT solution, you don't have to fulfil any complicated requirements, you can simply get started. We take care of the installation, connection and operation of the Urban Data Platform, the [ui!] COCKPIT and the [ui!] DATALABs.

If you would like to integrate a logo or coat of arms of the city to be displayed in your municipal [ui!] ENVIRONMENT dashboard, please send it to us in SVG format. The obligation to provide data applies to optional existing sensors, e.g. for recording consumption data or environmental measurements. If the data is not publicly accessible, we may need the access data to the respective systems from you - this includes either a specially set up user account or an API key (new development may be necessary if no existing connector exists in the [ui!] connector catalogue).

We also have an overview at [ui!] of which data is publicly accessible and can be used for your objectives after checking (e.g. publicly accessible level measurement data from the Hessian State Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) for local authorities in Hesse).

The building blocks of [ui!] ENVIRONMENT

Soil moisture monitoring

The soil moisture monitoring function module uses soil moisture sensors to monitor soil moisture, e.g. in municipal green spaces or on certain urban trees. This is becoming increasingly important, especially against the background of climate change-related and more frequent hot summers and droughts. This function module enables you to:

  • The data obtained from the soil moisture sensors enables municipal green spaces to be watered in a much more needs-orientated and therefore resource-saving manner.

  • Identify measures for climate change adaptation, check their effectiveness and thus improve the quality of life in the municipality.
Added value in municipal use

Added value in municipal use

The [ui!] soil moisture monitoring function module creates added value for both the administration and the citizens of your municipality:

  • The information is used by the employees of the Parks Department (or a comparable administrative unit) to create a data basis on soil moisture in order to plan routes for employees more intelligently in the short term and use resources sparingly.
  • Demand-led irrigation can ensure that plant damage is prevented by sufficient irrigation, while also preventing over-watering.
  • On the other hand, long-term forecasts (additional service: forecasting service) can be created for efficient route planning, which further increases the city's efficiency.

In concrete figures, this means

  • Depending on the summer, at least 14-18 watering trips per tree are necessary, and even more for young trees in hot summers. At a cost of around €20 per trip, the annual costs quickly add up to €300 per tree. The majority of the costs are not so much due to the amount of water, but to the journeys with the irrigation vehicle and the associated labour costs.
  • By using sensor technology for soil moisture monitoring in combination with decentralised tanks, water logistics can be reduced to 2 trips per year (€40 total per tree per year).

The city of Bad Nauheim has been using the technology since 2023 to provide a data basis for the responsible employees. Live data on soil moisture is sent several times a day via the city's LoRaWAN network to the Open Urban Data Platform, where it is processed and visualised for the responsible employees via the specialist application, [ui!] DATALAB. This creates a data basis on which the scarce human resources can be deployed in a targeted manner.

Current prices and ordering via [ui!] AGORA

Air quality monitoring

The air quality monitoring function module includes the measurement of air quality, e.g. at road junctions, in tunnels or, if necessary, across entire urban areas. Continuous monitoring allows the progression of air quality to be visualised in interactive graphs. This is particularly important for local authorities in the context of urban air pollution control.

This function module allows you to ...

  • interactive visualisation of air quality over different time periods, allowing users to focus on specific processes and take a closer look at details. Furthermore, different predefined aggregations can be selected and visualised over a freely definable time period.

  • legal threshold values, such as those stipulated in the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchV), can be observed in the urban data platform and exceedances automatically marked separately. In addition, notifications can be sent automatically by email to defined recipients if threshold values are exceeded. Citizens can also be informed about the current status of air quality via a tile or directly on the map.

Added value in municipal use

Added value in municipal use

The analysis results of the air quality monitoring function module have an impact on various aspects of urban life and environmental protection:

  • Monitor the impact of traffic: Air quality sensors can be installed at busy roads, junctions and tunnels to accurately measure the impact of traffic on air quality. This data enables city authorities to take targeted measures to control traffic and reduce air pollution, thereby protecting the health of citizens.
  • Industrial site monitoring: By installing air quality sensors near industrial plants and production facilities, emission limits can be monitored and environmental impact minimised. If limit values are exceeded, immediate measures can be taken to reduce emissions and minimise the environmental impact.
  • Creating an attractive living environment: Air quality monitoring is used in residential areas to protect the health and well-being of residents. By installing air quality sensors, exposure to air pollutants can be closely monitored and targeted measures can be taken to improve air quality in order to increase the quality of life of neighbouring residents.
  • Protect social infrastructures: In addition, air quality monitoring is also crucial in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, care centres and schools. By integrating air quality sensors, the health of patients, residents and pupils can be protected and the risk of airborne diseases minimised. This helps to create a healthy environment for everyone and improve the quality of healthcare.

You can use this function module to plan your measures for compliance with the legal requirements for air pollution control on the basis of data:

  • Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe provides the regulatory framework that transposes Directive 2008/50/EC into German law in Germany through Ordinance BImSchV 39 (39th Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act). A primary objective is to prevent or reduce the harmful effects of air pollutants on human health and the environment and to provide the population with comprehensive information on air quality.

  • With the help of air quality sensors that can measure pollutants such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10), compliance with the emission limits set by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) can be transparently measured and reported. They make it possible to monitor compliance with the statutory limit values and to be informed if a limit value has been exceeded or is about to be exceeded so that countermeasures can be initiated if necessary, such as the closure of road sections to heavy goods vehicles.

The information on air quality can also provide all citizens with a picture of the situation, e.g. to avoid dangerous "hot spots" in the event of health problems.

  • In a medium-sized city, for example, it is estimated that around 580 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost every year due to air quality. According to a study published in 2020 by the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), air pollution in Germany costs €1,468 per city dweller every year. For a medium-sized city (200,000 inhabitants), a 1% reduction in air pollution could save costs of €2,936,000 per year.

However, smaller municipalities can also be affected by poor air quality due to their location or transport links. There is often a lack of suitable measuring stations here. For example, lightweight air quality sensors such as those offered on the [ui!] AGORA smart city marketplace (https://agora.umi.city) can be set up as measuring points.

Current prices and ordering via [ui!] AGORA

Level monitoring

The water level monitoring function module collates data from sensors at water points, which is crucial for general environmental monitoring and disaster prevention. This monitoring of water levels is becoming increasingly important for local authorities - especially with regard to the ability to react quickly to increasing heavy rainfall events caused by climate change.

This function module enables you to ...

  • Your own data-based early warning system for extreme weather events Early and data-based information on possible flooding can save lives and protect property more efficiently in extreme cases, as your responsible authorities are enabled to act proactively instead of reactively. Specifically, changes in water levels are recorded at an early stage using special sensors and visualised in the development so that you can take proactive measures if necessary.

  • to dock the sensor-based water monitoring to existing data sources. The data from the sensors is sent to a central server via LoRaWAN wireless technology and transmitted from there to the open urban data platform [ui!]Urban Pulse. The [ui!]UrbanPulse also allows you to integrate data from state or federal authorities, for example, in order to make the data available for your decision-making even more comprehensive.
Added value in municipal use

Added value in municipal use

The water level monitoring function module is used in various municipal areas and is of crucial importance for the management of water resources and protection against natural hazards. Here is an overview of the added value of this function module:

  • Effective flood protection and flood management: Continuous monitoring of water levels enables early warning of impending floods. This allows the authorities to take measures in good time to minimise the risk to residents and protect property. The data can also be made available to citizens, so that the recognition of potentially dangerous situations is also supported by swarm intelligence from the population.

  • Sustainable river and water ecology: Monitoring water levels helps to record changes in water levels and understand their impact on ecology, which is of great importance for nature conservation.

  • Optimise water management and water supply: Monitoring water levels makes it possible to ensure the availability of water resources and regulate the flow of water in rivers and canals. This is particularly important during dry periods or when irrigating agricultural land.

  • Safety in shipping and transport: Water level monitoring is essential to ensure the safety of waterways, as water levels are used to determine water depth and enable ships to navigate.
Current prices and ordering via [ui!] AGORA

Noise monitoring

With the noise monitoring function module, noise development is recorded by installing noise sensors at specific road junctions, train routes or, if necessary, across large areas.

This function module enables you to ...

  • to use continuous noise monitoring to detect localised exceedances of limit values and initiate targeted countermeasures that improve the quality of life and satisfaction of citizens in your municipality.
  • define legal limits in your Open Urban Data Platform and be automatically notified if they are exceeded.
  • differentiate local noise emissions according to their sources.

In contrast to publicly available noise maps, which are usually based on calculated models, the noise monitoring function module uses actual measured values and is therefore superior to these in terms of the specific situation on site.

Added value in municipal use

Added value in municipal use

The noise monitoring analysis results cover a wide range of applications, all aimed at monitoring and controlling noise exposure in different environments. Based on this data, you can generate a range of added value for your municipality:

  • Optimise traffic control: In urban areas, monitoring is often used to record noise development at busy road junctions and to take measures to control traffic (environmentally sensitive traffic management).

  • Planning noise protection measures: Monitoring along railway lines is important in order to minimise the impact of rail traffic on the surrounding communities and improve the quality of life of local residents. In industrial areas, noise sensors are used to monitor noise pollution from industrial activities and ensure that legal limits are adhered to.

  • Protect sensitive uses: In addition, noise sensors are also used in leisure and recreational areas, residential areas and school and educational facilities to protect people's peace and relaxation and create a pleasant environment.

This wide range of applications emphasises the versatility and importance of noise monitoring for the quality of life and environmental protection in urban and rural areas. Noise monitoring also enables you to plan your measures to comply with legal requirements regarding noise emissions on the basis of data.

  • With the Environmental Noise Directive 2002/49/EC, the European Union has reached an important milestone towards comprehensive regulation of noise immissions. The Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV) stipulates that noise reports and action plans must be drawn up in order to be able to take long-term action against noise pollution.

  • Paragraphs 47 c and 47 d of the BImSchV oblige the responsible authorities to draw up "noise maps" and "noise action plans". Measuring equipment can be included in the noise action plans specifically for noise conflict zones. Political discussions and complaints from neighbouring residents can be conducted on a factual basis using actual measured values.
Current prices and ordering via [ui!] AGORA

Would you like to find out more about our solutions?

We are also available for a demonstration at our branches in Berlin, Darmstadt, Munich, Walldorf or Chemnitz or will be happy to visit you on request.

Write to us
+49 (0) 6151 / 49 320 60
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