Open source data logger for low-cost environmental monitoring

details

The increasing transformation of biodiversity into a data-intensive science has seen numerous independent systems linked and aggregated into the current landscape of biodiversity informatics. This paper outlines how we can move forward with this programme, incorporating real time environmental monitoring into our methodology using low-power and low-cost computing platforms.

Implements specification

The requirements for the device, and the server software (Drupal) that receives the data were specified as follows:

Data Logger

Be able to record the temperature and humidity at a regular time interval (e.g. every 5 minutes)
Record the data collected to a micro-SD card
Submit data collected automatically and in real time to a Drupal website (using an Ethernet connection)
Have a real time clock (RTC) ? the Arduino internal clock counts milliseconds since the micro-controller was turned on, we need to record the actual time of measurement
Use standard and readily-available components
Be able to run off readily-available batteries (e.g. AA) for at least 8 hours

Server software

Be able to receive data from a device or more than one device and save it as a Drupal node (content item)
Be able to generate code for the Arduino to assist others in using this software to post data

Web location (URIs)