Environmental Sensors for Research, Industry & Marine Applications

Environmental monitoring involves the systematic collection of data on environmental conditions to assess ecosystem health, detect pollution, and support regulatory compliance. At the heart of these monitoring efforts are environmental sensors, technologies that provide the precise, real-time measurements needed to understand and respond to changes in the natural and built environments.

Table of contents:

• What Are Environmental Sensors?
• What Are the Different Types of Environmental Sensors?
• Environmental Sensors in Unmanned Systems
• Sensors for Marine Environmental Monitoring
• Weather Monitoring & Climate Analysis
• Industrial Environmental Monitoring
• Integrated Environmental Monitoring Systems
• Choosing the Right Environmental Sensors

What Are Environmental Sensors?

SeapiX-R 3D Multibeam Sonar by Exail

Environmental sensors are devices designed to detect and measure various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, air and water quality, light levels, and more. They work by converting environmental conditions into electrical signals, which can then be analyzed and interpreted by monitoring systems.

These sensors are integral to environmental monitoring systems used in scientific research, weather stations, industrial processes, agriculture, and environmental protection. They help track environmental changes, detect potential hazards, and support data-driven policy and operational decisions.

What Are the Different Types of Environmental Sensors?

There is a wide variety of environmental sensors, each tailored to monitor specific environmental factors:

• Temperature sensors, including thermometers and infrared thermometers, measure ambient and surface temperatures.
• Humidity sensors and relative humidity sensors track moisture levels in the air.
• Air quality sensors, such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide sensors, assess pollutant levels and indoor/outdoor air quality.
• Light sensors and ultraviolet sensors measure light intensity and UV exposure
• Barometric pressure sensors monitor atmospheric pressure, supporting weather prediction and altitude tracking.
• Water sensors and hydrographic survey equipment, including pH probes, dissolved oxygen sensors, turbidity sensors, and conductivity sensors, assess water’s chemical and physical properties.
• Anemometers and wind speed sensors measure wind velocity and direction.
• Acoustic and sonar sensors, including hydrophones and multibeam sonar, are used for underwater environmental assessment.

These sensors are often integrated into networks or platforms that provide comprehensive environmental insights in real time.

Environmental Sensors in Unmanned Systems

Subsea NetDI® Logger – Versatile AUV & ROV Data Logger by SubCtech

Unmanned systems—such as drones, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous surface vessels—often carry environmental sensors to extend monitoring capabilities into hard-to-reach or hazardous environments.

These mobile platforms are ideal for collecting real-time data across large or remote areas, enabling continuous environmental observation without direct human involvement.

Sensors like anemometers, temperature sensors, and air quality monitors are used in aerial systems for atmospheric studies, wildfire detection, and agricultural assessments. Underwater platforms are typically equipped with depth sensors, turbidity probes, hydrophones, and chlorophyll sensors to explore aquatic ecosystems and monitor marine conditions.

Ground-based unmanned vehicles may carry soil moisture sensors, gas detectors, and climate sensors for use in industrial inspections or environmental surveys.

By integrating environmental sensors with autonomous navigation and data transmission systems, unmanned platforms enhance the reach, accuracy, and efficiency of environmental monitoring in both research and operational contexts.

Sensors for Marine Environmental Monitoring

MIDAS WLR Sensor by Teledyne Valeport

Environmental sensors are indispensable in marine environments for oceanographic research, marine biology, aquaculture, and offshore operations. They measure water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, which are key indicators of water quality and ecosystem health.

Technologies like echo sounders, sonar sensors, and underwater pressure sensors help map the seafloor and assess underwater conditions. Hydrophones and underwater microphones monitor aquatic life and human-made noise pollution. Marine environmental monitoring systems often incorporate underwater cameras and ROV-mounted sensor arrays for comprehensive data collection.

Weather Monitoring & Climate Analysis

Environmental sensors are foundational to weather monitoring systems used in meteorology, aviation, agriculture, and disaster preparedness. Instruments such as anemometers, barometers, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and UV sensors are deployed in weather stations to provide real-time updates on changing atmospheric conditions.

These sensors are vital for tracking storms, monitoring climate trends, and supporting public safety through early warning systems. Remote and automated weather stations often rely on solar-powered sensor arrays and wireless data transmission for continuous environmental surveillance in hard-to-reach areas.

Industrial Environmental Monitoring

In industrial settings, environmental sensors are critical for maintaining air and water quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting worker health. Industrial-grade sensors are used to detect gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, as well as particulates and volatile organic compounds.

Environmental monitors equipped with chemical sensors, smoke detectors, and pressure sensors help identify unsafe conditions and trigger alerts. These sensors are commonly found in factories, power plants, mining operations, and waste management facilities.

Water monitoring is also essential in industrial contexts, where sensors track contamination, pH levels, and chemical concentrations to prevent environmental damage and support sustainable practices. Industrial drones equipped with environmental sensors are increasingly being used to inspect facilities, detect gas leaks, and monitor air quality in areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to access.

Integrated Environmental Monitoring Systems

Modern environmental monitoring systems often combine multiple sensor types into a unified platform. Depending on the application, these systems may be stationary, mobile, or remotely deployed. Many are designed for real-time data collection and cloud-based analytics, with features like GPS tagging, wireless connectivity, and automated calibration.

Applications range from precision agriculture and forestry to urban planning and climate research. Environmental sensor solutions are also being adapted for smart city infrastructure and environmental compliance monitoring.

Choosing the Right Environmental Sensors

The effectiveness of environmental monitoring depends on selecting the right combination of sensors for the conditions and parameters being measured. Factors such as environmental exposure, required measurement accuracy, power availability, and data integration capabilities all influence sensor selection. Whether monitoring weather patterns in remote terrain, tracking water quality near industrial discharge zones, or deploying gas sensors inside a manufacturing plant, matching the sensor technology to the task is essential for reliable results.

As environmental challenges grow more complex and the demand for real-time data increases, the role of environmental sensors will only continue to expand, supporting everything from compliance monitoring and risk management to scientific discovery and resource conservation.