Spotter
A Sofar spotter buoy is a type of oceanographic instrument used to monitor and measure various oceanic and atmospheric conditions. These buoys are typically equipped with a range of sensors to collect data on parameters such as wave height, wave period, sea surface temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and barometric pressure. Spotter buoys are deployed in oceans, seas, and large lakes to provide real-time or near-real-time data that can be used for a variety of applications including weather forecasting, climate research, marine navigation, and environmental monitoring.
Manufacturer: Sofar |
- Handling and size: The spotter buoy has a size of approx. 30 x 30 cm and is easy to use by hand and without prior knowledge. The robust construction has enabled thousands of successful deployments from all types of vessels.
- Wave measurements: The Sofar Spotter Buoy is equipped with sensors that can take precise measurements of ocean waves. This includes information on wave height, period and direction.
- Temperature measurements: The buoy can measure the temperature of the surrounding water. This data is important for monitoring ocean temperatures and can be used in various scientific studies and environmental monitoring applications.
- Barometric pressure: The spotter buoy measures barometric pressure.
- Wind: The wind speed and wind direction are measured.
- Real-time data transmission: The Sofar Spotter Buoy transmits the collected data in real time via satellite to a dashboard by displaying the data. This allows researchers to monitor ocean conditions in real time and make decisions based on current data.
- Long-lasting energy supply: The buoy is designed to operate autonomously for extended periods of time. This is often achieved through a combination of solar energy and long-life batteries.
- Deployment: It can be used as a drifting buoy or anchored. Additional sensors can be installed in a smart mooring , e.g. temperature or pressure sensors, whose data is also sent from the spotter buoy to the dashboard in real time.
The spotter buoy measures the following parameters:
- Wave spectrum (height, period, amplitude, direction),
- Wind speed and direction,
- Surface current and direction,
- Sea surface temperature (except with the Smart Mooring),
- Atmospheric pressure,
- GPS position