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Open-source hardware for nature conservation

FEATURE

Open-source

Research Platform

ver the last three years,

Conservify has been working on a

spin-off project commissioned by

National Geographic, called

FieldKit. FieldKit aims to create an

open-source platform for live-

broadcasting scientific work from the field, enabling

anyone to create their own connected research

expeditions – just like the Okavango Wilderness

Project, in fact.

According to Selbe, the FieldKit platform can be

deployed in a single module or meshed network of

modules. The platform, which can be used to

automatically generate data visualisations and share

research finding with the public, will be available to

purchase as a kit, or developed using the open-

source designs and documentation you can find on

the FieldKit website.

OPEN SCIENCE BEYOND ACADEMIA

FieldKit’s core module includes GPS, SD, Serial

Flash, WiFi (WINC1500), LoRa, LiPo Fuel Gauge, and

charging. The supporting Atlas board has room for

five Atlas Scientific sensor modules, including ORP

(Oxidation Reduction Potential), DO (Dissolved

Oxygen), pH, temperature, and electrical

O

The Amazon is the

planet’s largest

remaining rainforest,

about the size of the

contiguous United

States. It stretches

across the domain of

eight different countries

and one territory. It is

home to some 10% of

all the world’s recorded

biological diversity. It

holds one-fifth of Earth’s

fresh water.

AMAZON PRIME

Right

These photos were

of a few of the

systems in their final

integration, before

the team left them

in Miami for the trip

to Ecuador