Optimization of sensor deployment for acoustic detection and localization in terrestrial environments

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2018
Authors:Piña-Covarrubias, Hill, Prince, Snaddon, Rogers, C. Doncaster
Secondary Authors:Pettorelli, Guillard
Journal:Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation
Date Published:Jun-10-2019
Keywords:acoustic monitoring, acoustic sensors, AudioMoth, Biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem management, optimisation, Soundscape, submodularity
Abstract:

The rapid evolution in miniaturization, power efficiency and affordability of acoustic sensors, combined with new innovations in smart capability, are vastly expanding opportunities in ground-level monitoring for wildlife conservation at a regional scale using massive sensor grids. Optimal placement of environmen- tal sensors and probabilistic localization of sources have previously been consid- ered only in theory, and not tested for terrestrial acoustic sensors. Conservation applications conventionally model detection as a function of distance. We developed probabilistic algorithms for near-optimal placement of sensors, and for localization of the sound source as a function of spatial variation in sound pressure. We employed a principled-GIS tool for mapping soundscapes to test the methods on a tropical-forest case study using gunshot sensors. On hilly ter- rain, near-optimal placement halved the required number of sensors compared to a square grid. A test deployment of acoustic devices matched the predicted success in detecting gunshots, and traced them to their local area. The methods are applicable to a broad range of target sounds. They require only an empirical estimate of sound-detection probability in response to noise level, and a sound- scape simulated from a topographic habitat map. These methods allow conser- vation biologists to plan cost-effective deployments for measuring target sounds, and to evaluate the impacts of sub-optimal sensor placements imposed by access or cost constraints, or multipurpose uses.

URL:http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/rse2.97
DOI:10.1002/rse2.97
Short Title:Remote Sens Ecol Conserv
BioAcoustica ID: 
Non biological: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith