Recent years have shown that climate change is also affecting our region. Situations occur that previously seemed a distant problem. The worst part, however, is that the spectrum of these phenomena is yet to be determined, as we often do not know what dependencies will cause new effects, or their avalanche chain. The examples of this can be multiple, starting with sudden, intense rainfall, through long periods of no rainfall, ending with the fish dying in the Oder River as a result of the accumulation of several phenomena, such as low water levels, high temperatures, etc.

The unknown nature of the effects of these changes means that we have to reckon with new dependencies and accumulations of phenomena, perhaps even ones we are not yet aware of. Monitoring selected environmental aspects and studying their interrelationships can help determine their future effects, predict their magnitude and define actions, both preventive and corrective. It is also important to inform the public about the current situation and any anticipated limitations related to its effects or corrective actions. This can increase awareness and understanding of these limitations.

Digital monitoring systems are often used in isolation and the exchange of information between them is often difficult. Each is a great source of data on a particular aspect of the environment, and by combining them, we can get even more information by taking advantage of synergies. A coherent platform to support the development of algorithms for analyzing data and generating new knowledge, makes it possible to harmonize the creation of tools for processing the accumulated knowledge and provides support for sustainable development.

The project continues the work carried out under the SmartRiver project, implemented by IHP and the University of Zielona Gora under the INTERREG VA BB-PL program. Its goal was to create a base for a digital platform enabling data exchange and storage for smart city applications, together with a prototype network of wireless sensors collecting environmental parameters related to water and air quality. This project plans to expand this platform and optimize the previously proposed solutions.

The results of the project will make it possible to collect and analyze data of various environmental aspects in the region and generate information about the current state and its anticipated changes for different recipients – specialists, officials, and residents, regardless of the language they speak. A pilot deployment of the system will be carried out in the area of the Słubice-Frankfurt/O twin-city. The modular design of the system will allow further expansion with additional data sources and modules for data processing. The project will be made possible by combining the competencies of partners from the region on both sides of the border. Their technical, but also linguistic and cultural experience will help realize the results of the project in an optimal way for the recipients on both sides of the border. And as data has no language, it is a plane that can unite in solving common problems.

The scenarios selected in the previous project – monitoring of water management in the two-city area of Słubice-Frankfurt/O – will be enriched with additional functions for analyzing the collected data, also using artificial intelligence techniques, as well as with functions related to the attractive presentation of the data processing results. Additional scenarios will also be introduced, such as monitoring of traffic, water quality in the twin-city catchment area, or monitoring and information on buildings. The analysis methods used will take advantage of synergies between scenarios.

The main objective of the project is to create innovative specialized modules responsible for functionalities related to: 1) data acquisition from various sources, 2) data processing, and 3) presentation of results. The whole project will be implemented according to the concepts created in the previous project, and taking into account practical aspects related to the professional installation, operation and functioning of the system. It will provide mature solutions, thanks to partners who are in the business of providing electrical, measurement and IT solutions. It will enable the project results to be transferred to other areas with similar needs.

The project is based on current digitization trends. It takes into account the suggestions of the EU acts on data and digitization (Data Act), as well as related risks and security (EU Cybersecurity Act). On this basis, functionalities will be implemented in support of European and regional policies and strategies, supporting the sustainable development of society and the environment in many aspects, such as adaptation to climate change, protection from its effects, optimization of energy efficiency, monitoring of biodiversity, etc. We also plan to implement some of these scenarios in future joint cross-border projects.