Smart Sea Level Sensors

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by Georgia Tech in partnership with Chatham County, this system provides public access to a high-density network of coastal water level sensors. The interface presents real-time and historical data—including water level, air temperature, and pressure—from over 50 individual sensors. A primary data module facilitates visualization of recent observations, while an educational module provides context on sea level rise and project methodology. Users can designate specific sensors as 'favorites' for streamlined monitoring of key locations.

Evidence & Research Context

• The sensor network's design is based on a multi-objective optimization method detailed in associated research from the development team.
• This placement methodology integrates traditional sensor network performance metrics with flood-specific parameters, including hazard estimations, infrastructure exposure, and social vulnerability indices.
• The optimization workflow reduced the set of potential new sensor locations to 1.3% of the full solution set, enabling targeted and effective network expansion.
• This data-driven approach is intended to generate detailed and accurate hyperlocal water level information for flood risk assessment and mitigation in coastal communities.

Intended Use & Scope

This tool is intended for the general public, government officials, and local business owners for real-time situational awareness of hyperlocal water levels. It functions as a direct data visualization platform for monitoring current conditions. The app is not a predictive flood forecasting model or an official emergency alert system; users must consult official sources for warnings and evacuation orders.