There are key technology and scientific research projects currently underway using the SmartBay infrastructure. These include systems for data management and interpretation and value added exploitation of the data e.g. modelling and forecasting. SmartBay is also providing scientists with data for use in Climate Change research.
SmartBay Portal
A new Web portal is being developed by the Marine Institute in collaboration with IBM to provide enhanced visualisation and display of the sensor readings and data collected and managed by the Marine Institute in the Galway bay area. The portal has been designed as an interface that is customizable by different types of users ranging from scientists, fishermen, The Harbour Master, ocean energy developers and the general public.
Users of the site will be able to access observations from the newly deployed environmental monitoring buoys in Galway Bay which include information on weather, water quality and wave data. Bay users such as fishermen, sailors and lifeguards will be able to remotely update the portal with their observations whilst at sea and it is hoped the portal will become the focal point of interaction for a variety of different Bay users.
SmartBay Data Management and Visualisation
The SmartBay web portal is the first phase of a multi-year collaboration between the Marine Institute and the newly launched IBM Centre of Excellence for Water Management in Dublin. Water management is seen as a critical problem in light of environmental concerns around climate change and the portal will be an invaluable
tool in the development of new solutions for coastal and marine monitoring and management. For more information, please view the SmartBay video
WiMax
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a telecommunications technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections (up to 70mbps) over distances of up to 50km. Intel, along with several corporate sponsors, are working with the wireless industry to drive the deployment of WiMax networks worldwide.
The Marine Institute, Intel and Irish Broadband are working together on proposals to setup and install a WiMax network for the Galway Bay area. The SmartBay initiative provides a perfect environment to carry out field research and development of WiMax technologies in the marine environment. High speed communication networks such as WiMax are an essential requirement for the development of leading edge research in scientific and technological fields. The WiMax infrastructure will provide essential support in areas where there exists real opportunities for scientific and commercial development, and where there exists a core of Irish expertise (e.g. Marine Science, information Communications Technology - ICT and environmental sensors).
The harnessing of an advanced technology such as WiMax in the marine environment and its integration into the SmartBay Initiative will give Ireland a key strategic advantage in the development of maritime mobile wireless broadband networks, provide a national and International test site for advanced coastal observation and monitoring technologies, facilitate research of advanced sensor and sensor system technology and will further advance Irelands marine research and innovation capabilities.
Climate Change
The ocean has significant effects on climate and weather through its capacity to store and release heat and carbon dioxide. The time series data from the Mace Head Buoy is an important source of physical, chemical and biological information for climate change researchers in the Marine Institute and NUI Galway. They are investigating correlations between the atmospheric levels of CO2 and levels in seawater.
Hydrodynamic Models
As part of the SmartBay initiative, a ROMS hydrodynamic model for Galway Bay was completed at 200m resolution.
Modelled Sea Surface Temperature in Galway Bay
A SWAN wave model for Galway Bay, based on the latest bathymetry, was also developed. This model is set up to do a 6-day forecast. A one year hindcast for 2005 was conducted to test the model.