Remotely controlled digital systems for biodiversity and marine resources monitoring
University of Calabria
Reference Teacher: Fabio Bruno
Teacher(s): Fabio Bruno, Antonio Lagudi
The course aims to provide an introductory overview of the fundamentals of remote-control systems and their application in marine science with a particular focus on the management, integration and processing of digital data acquired through the use of different sensors. Students will develop basic operational knowledge of various remote-operated platforms, including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs). The course also covers the use of remote sensing tools, environmental sensors, and integrated technologies applied to the study of marine biodiversity and the sustainable management of marine resources.
II Level Professional Master’s Program in Management and conservation of biodiversity and environmental resources
Understand the principles and technologies underlying remote control systems and their application in marine science. Acquire knowledge about the main tools and platforms (e.g., ROVs, AUVs, drones, sensor networks, satellite systems) used to monitor marine biodiversity and marine resources. Comprehend the ecological and biological parameters measurable through remote sensing techniques.
Apply remote sensing and control methodologies to real-world scenarios for monitoring and assessment of marine habitats and species. Operate and configure basic remote-control equipment and interpret data outputs from various remote systems. Integrate data from multiple platforms to support biodiversity mapping and marine resource evaluation.
Critically assess the strengths and limitations of different remote technologies in various marine environments. Select appropriate tools and methodologies for specific biodiversity or resource assessment goals. Evaluate the quality and reliability of data collected remotely and its implications for marine conservation and management decisions.
Communicate the results of remote monitoring activities effectively through technical reports, visual data representations, and oral presentations. Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams involving marine biologists, engineers, and data analysts. Use appropriate terminology and language to convey technical and ecological concepts to both expert and non-expert audiences.
Develop the ability to autonomously explore emerging remote sensing technologies and methodologies. Strengthen problem-solving skills in designing and implementing remote-controlled observation strategies. Cultivate a critical and lifelong learning approach to technological innovation in marine biodiversity studies.
Basic knowledge of computer science and data analysis; Basic programming and data management skills. Use of software tools for data analysis and visualization (e.g., spreadsheets, GIS software).
The course includes a combination of lectures and seminars.
At the end of the course, a questionnaire will be administered to the students containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Questions are addressed to evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired during the course.
The course provides students with an integrated overview of digital tools and remotely controlled platforms applied to marine biodiversity and resource monitoring. It emphasizes the operational aspects of sensor integration, data collection, and remote-control methodologies for sustainable ocean management. Students will develop competences in using ROVs, AUVs, and ASVs, as well as in combining these platforms with drones and satellite systems for large-scale monitoring. Special focus is placed on the ecological interpretation of remotely acquired data, promoting the role of digital technologies in marine conservation, ecosystem mapping, and sustainable resource exploitation.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of Goal 14: Life below water – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
The “Remotely controlled digital systems for biodiversity and marine resources monitoring” course is among the teaching activities of the II Level Professional Master’s Programmes in Management and conservation of biodiversity and environmental resources. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (second-level) or an equivalent qualification. For detailed information and updates on how to apply, refer to the following link: https://www.unical.it/storage/higher-edu-training/141/?lang=en
For further information or specific inquiries, you may contact the “Educational Services Area” of the University of Calabria using the contact details and methods provided at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/contatta-i-servizi-didattici/?lang=en
The course is structured into four main modules:
– Introduction to marine environmental monitoring
– Basics of remote control and digital communication systems
– Classification of remote sensing platforms
– Types of environmental and biological sensors
– Signal acquisition and data logging methods
– Integration of heterogeneous data sources
– Design and operational principles
– Navigation and control systems
– Use cases in marine biodiversity monitoring
– Autonomy levels and mission planning
– Payloads and sensor integration
– Applications in deep-sea resource exploration
– Technologies for surface-based monitoring
– Communication and remote piloting strategies
– Coastal and nearshore applications
– Drones for marine and coastal biodiversity monitoring
– Satellite-based observation and remote sensing techniques
– GIS integration for multi-scale data analysis
– Digital workflows for environmental data management
– Visualization tools and dashboards
– Interoperability of platforms and data fusion
– Applications in biodiversity mapping and marine resource management
– Environmental impact assessments through digital monitoring
– Trends in AI, cloud computing, and real-time monitoring systems
- Teaching material and tutorials will be provided by the lecturers.