In this video, you found out about a project that the GROW Observatory was involved in, using soil sensors to validate and calibrate satellite data. You saw how satellites sense the Earth’s surface. 

All measured radiation reflected from the surface is a function of soil and land cover, which varies in time and by location. Science needs data from the ground to observe spatial and temporal variability. The more data we have, the more accurate our estimation of soil moisture in different parts of the planet will be.

Maintaining a monitoring system and using quality sensors are expensive. But by making cheaper sensors available to a wider range of people, a high-density monitoring grid was developed. Lower measurement accuracy is balanced with higher density of measurements.

Science has the chance to use citizen observations to connect with people who are interested in and educated on topics like land use, soil moisture and climate change. Together, we can make observations, research, and raise key questions about our planet.

Record your thoughts!
Before you move on to the next step, please make a note for yourself if you are using a sensor. If you don’t have a sensor, consider what you have learnt from other projects or your plans for something you would like to start measuring.

  • What are the measurements you have been collecting?
  • What do you think influences the differences in these measurements over space and time?
Last modified: Thursday, 22 April 2021, 1:38 PM