Many lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons covered by the Water Framework Directive are still observed through relatively infrequent field visits. This limits the record of short-lived events and leaves some types of water body underrepresented in routine monitoring.
Each micro-observatory is installed above the water on existing infrastructure, commonly a bridge or fixed station. The system combines laser-induced fluorescence with miniaturised hyperspectral radiometry to measure chlorophyll-a, suspended matter, dissolved organic matter, and Rrs at regular intervals. Records are transmitted to the MAELSTROM platform and linked with satellite observations of the same water body.
The programme produced the mHR-2 passive micro-hyperspectral radiometer, which derives Rrs for satellite match-up. The instrument was field-tested during ESA's PHY2FLEX campaign in Venice in October 2025. The programme target is a national network of up to 1,000 micro-observatories serving water management, fisheries, tourism, hydropower, and agriculture.
LIFeLiDAR develops the micro-scale fluorescence lidar and miniaturised radiometric instruments used at each station, including the mHR-2 delivered through the programme. vorteX-io coordinates the consortium and develops the micro-stations and data platform; Magellium contributes the satellite-processing chain.
Enquiries about consortium participation, instrument responsibilities, or in-situ data for a satellite mission are read by the relevant technical team.