New available – Mounting Kit for DL-LID

DL-LID | Laser Distance / Level Sensor for LoRaWAN®

Decentlab's sensor for measuring:

Distance:
Range: 0 ... 40 m
Resolution: 10 mm (single sample), 1 mm (average of N samples)
Accuracy:
< 2 m, ±50 mm, Nonlinearity is present below 1 m
≥ 2 m, ±1 % of distance or ±25 mm
Better accuracy is achieved by capturing N samples and
evaluating statistical data, e.g. the average of N samples.

APPLICATIONS

• Snow level monitoring

• Water level monitoring

• Flood monitoring

• Generic ranging and proximity monitoring

Sensor data are transmitted in real-time using LoRaWAN® radio technology. LoRaWAN® enables encrypted radio transmissions over long distances while consuming very little power. The user can obtain sensor data through Decentlab’s data storage and visualization system, or through the user's own infrastructure.

Winter Road Condition Monitoring with DL-CWS2

Decentlab is proud to be part of the innovative winter service project in the District of Hof, Bavaria, Germany with its DL-CWS2 | High-Precision Winter Road Maintenance Sensor with Radiation Shield for LoRaWAN®.

As part of the Smart City – hoferLand.digital initiative, the DL-CWS2 devices have been installed across the whole district to measure ambient temperature, humidity, and road surface temperature. This enables early detection of icy and dangerous conditions and smarter, data-driven winter maintenance.

All measurements are collected in a web-based application that provides real-time access to weather and road data. This allows local road services to work more efficiently and sustainably while optimizing the use of resources. The project strengthens the region’s digital infrastructure and serves as a model for future Smart Region initiatives.

LB Elektro- und Verkehrsanlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG coordinated the project and rolled out the sensors into the district. Iot-shop.de was our local partner.

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National Soil Moisture Network for Drought Alerts

A national soil moisture monitoring network is currently being established in Switzerland. The project aims to detect and model drought periods at an early stage, supporting agriculture, forestry, energy management, and authorities in planning and decision-making. MeteoSwiss, the WSL, and ETH Zurich are installing sensors at approximately 20 sites in forests and grasslands across the country.

The sensors measure soil moisture every ten minutes at multiple depths providing a precise picture of soil water storage and infiltration. To ensure accurate interpretation, the soil composition at each station, including clay, sand, and humus content, is carefully analyzed.

For the first time, this network will generate a uniform, high-quality dataseton soil moisture in Switzerland. The data will significantly improve drought modeling and feed into early-warning systems. Furthermore, the network provides essential information for environmental and climate monitoring, as soil moisture is a key indicator of water balance, vegetation health, and natural hazards.

Read full article

Devices for soil moisture monitoring:
DL-TRS12, DL-SMTP, DL-SDD

How Cities Can Act Like Sponges

Heat, drought, and heavy rainfall are putting increasing pressure on urban environments. The solution? Sponge cities — urban areas designed to absorb, store, and slowly release rainwater. The Sponge City information platform offers a wide collection of real-world examples showing how this concept can be implemented — from permeable pavements to large-scale green developments.

In some of these projects, Decentlab sensors are used to collect environmental data. One example is a project in Bern, where different tree species are tested for their resilience under urban conditions. Decentlab's DL-SMTP | Soil Moisture and Temperature Profile for LoRaWAN® are used to collect precise data on soil moisture, helping to optimize irrigation and improve tree health.

The SRF science program also explores how well the sponge city concept works in practice, with insights from Zurich’s urban water cycle — from green infrastructure to challenges of water quality.

1,000 Swiss glaciers already lost and melting goes on

In 2025, Switzerland’s glaciers lost another three percent of their volume. A snow-poor winter, followed by heat waves in June and August, caused this decline, making it the fourth largest reduction on record. Some glaciers lost more than two meters of ice thickness in a single season. Since 2015, Swiss glaciers have lost roughly a quarter of their total volume, and over 1,000 small glaciers have already disappeared.

Winter snow reserves were depleted by mid-July, causing the melt to begin earlier than ever before. Although a cooler July provided some relief, August’s heat waves and exceptionally high zero-degree lines drove above-average summer temperatures, further accelerating the ice loss. Glaciers below 3,000 meters were particularly affected, with snow cover disappearing all the way up to the summits.

The ongoing ice melt contributes to the destabilization of mountain slopes, increasing the risk of rock and ice avalanches, such as the one in May 2025 that buried the village of Blatten.

To detect and monitor these rapid changes and potential hazards, precise environmental and geotechnical sensor technology has never been more important. An informative map, tracking long-term glacier changes in the Alps, of glacier measurements in Switzerland can be found here.

Read full article

Devices for geotechnical monitoring: 
DL-LPW, DL-TP, DL-PR36, DL-TBRG

Why Maintaining Good Indoor Air Matters in Winter

In winter, spending more time indoors with windows closed and the heating on directly affects air quality, health, and well-being.

CO₂ levels rise quickly in enclosed spaces. Around 1000 ppm, many people feel tired, unfocused, or irritable. A study by Graz University of Technology found that 75 % of classrooms exceeded this level, rising to almost 90 % in winter, with peaks up to 6900 ppm. 

Humidity is also crucial. Heating can lower it below 30 %, drying out mucous membranes, weakening immunity, and increasing infection risk. A study by Stanford University found that viruses survive longer in dry air, while 40–60 % humidity activates natural antimicrobial processes.

Particulate matter (PM2.5) is another important factor. A study published in Building and Environment demonstrated that effective ventilation and filtration can significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 levels, highlighting the role of proper air management in maintaining healthy indoor environments.

To avoid heat loss and high energy costs, ventilation should be done strategically—based on CO₂ or humidity measurements, for example. Modern sensors can help balance healthy air with energy efficiency.

Recommended values
CO₂: below 1000 ppm
Relative humidity: 40–60 %
Room temperature: 20–22 °C

Devices for indoor air monitoring:
DL-IAM, DL-PM

Visit for real-time demos: DL-IAM, DL-PM

Less water in summer, more in winter

Climate Change and Groundwater

Climate change is altering temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting both the recharge and qualityof groundwater. Ensuring the sustainable use of this vital resource requires precise monitoring and reliable forecasting.

Rising temperatures lead to more precipitation in winter and less in summer. Consequently, groundwater recharge increases during winter and decreases in the summer months. Measurements and models confirm this trend, while also revealing strong regional variability. Cascading effects – such as increased irrigation during droughts – can further lower groundwater levels.
Beyond quantity, water quality is also at risk. After dry periods, pollutants can accumulate in the soil and be rapidly transported into groundwater during heavy rainfall events.

Forecasts for Water Management

Researchers are developing models that use temperature, precipitation, and groundwater data – collected by sensors such as those from Decentlab – to forecast groundwater dynamics over weeks to years. Short-term predictions help water suppliers respond to floods or droughts, while long-term scenarios guide investment and storage strategies.

Measures such as retention basins, slow-water projects, and managed aquifer recharge aim to store excess winter water for use during dry summer months. Because local conditions vary widely, sustainable groundwater management depends on a combination of continuous monitoring, data-driven modeling, and adaptive measures.

Read full article

Devices for groundwater monitoring:
DL-PR26,DL-PR36,DL-PR36CTD, DL-CTD10B

Next Event – IoT Sparks 2025 in Valencia

Decentlab will participate in IoT Sparks, an initiative of Loriot, on October 7, 2025, in Valencia – a one-day event dedicated to innovative ideas, cutting-edge technologies and meaningful dialogue in the Internet of Things.

The event brings together startups, researchers and industry leaders to exchange insights on impactful applications – from environmental monitoring and precision agriculture to smart infrastructure.

We look forward to sharing our expertise in real-time sensor solutions and to exploring how IoT can shape a smarter, more sustainable future – together.

Visit us at IoT Sparks – we’d be pleased to meet you there.

When the Forest Speaks – Real-Time Data meets Sound Art

Trees grow mainly at night – a surprising finding revealed by our customer and partner TreeNet. With high-precision dendrometers installed on more than 600 trees across Switzerland, stem radius is recorded every ten minutes. These continuous measurements provide unique data on growth, water balance, and drought stress.

Three core indicators – stem growth, tree water deficit, and maximum stem shrinkage – allow researchers to assess tree vitality and species-specific responses to changing environmental conditions. Combined with soil and climate data, they make drought stress visible in real time and open new perspectives for forest monitoring.

Beyond the data, sound artist Marcus Maeder adds another dimension by translating environmental and climate signals into sound. In collaboration with scientists from TreeNet, he makes climate change literally audible – showing what rising temperatures mean for forests and ecosystems in ways that go beyond abstract numbers. Featured in the 3sat nano program (from 11:18) with Decentlab sensors in action.

Whether visible through TreeNet data or audible through sound art – these approaches make the impacts of climate change tangible and provide valuable foundations for resilient forest management.

Read full article
Watch TV program (only german)

Temporary Trees, Lasting Impact: Bringing Green to Zurich

The hot summer days in Zurich may be over for now – but the challenge remains: in densely built-up areas, heat accumulates, creating the so-called Urban Heat Island effect. Busy, paved streets like Bahnhofstrasse heat up particularly quickly.

To counter this, the city of Zurich is testing new ways to bring greenery into the city center. As part of the pilot project "Grünes Gastspiel", around 50 young trees have been temporarily placed in special containers along Bahnhofstrasse. These allow trees to grow even on heavily paved areas, with integrated water storage and secure anchoring. The greenery is monitored with sensors measuring soil moisture, CO₂, and barometric pressure, enabling real-time tracking and providing valuable insights into the long-term potential of temporary urban greenery in Zurich.

The project aims to make the benefits of greenery visible and tangible: more shade, improved public spaces, and a more vibrant urban environment. While trees naturally thrive in soil, early positive results from temporary plantings are already evident.

Read more

Devices for monitoring urban heat islands:
DL-BLG, DL-SHT35, DL-ATM22, 
DL-ATM41G2

Wildlife meets DL-ATM41 in Action

Sometimes Decentlab's weather stations are not only valued for their precise measurements but also attract the curiosity of local wildlife. Pictured here: a DL-ATM41 with unusual visitors – an owl perched on the bird guard, a deer passing by, and even a fox making an appearance.

The scene impressively demonstrates the stability of the bird guard: despite its delicate appearance, it easily supports the weight of a fully grown owl. Unfortunately, the owl is not bothered by the bird deterrent. It remains unimpressed and uses the weather station as a lookout point. Every rule has its exception.

Meanwhile, the new generation –
DL-ATM41G2 | Eleven Parameter Weather Station for LoRaWAN® – is now available, offering even more precise measurements and enhanced performance. It records parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind speed and direction, solar radiation – and much more.

For this installation, our customer has also added a protective net that reliably shields the cables from curious animals, ensuring uninterrupted operation. The result: consistently high-quality weather data – no matter what appears in front of the lens or on the sensor.

Many thanks to our customer, a forest landowner near Zurich, for sharing these impressive photos and video.

Early Detection of Changes in Infiltration Capacity

Eawag — one of the world’s leading water research institutes — specializes in innovative research in aquatic science.

Bioretention cells are an important element in stormwater management: they capture water from sealed surfaces, reduce surface runoff, and promote groundwater recharge. However, the infiltration performance of such systems changes over time — often unnoticed until irregularities are detected during maintenance.

At Eawag and Empa’s campus, this process is systematically monitored. Surface ponding and soil moisture are continuously measured to gain a better understanding of the underlying processes. For this purpose, Eawag relies on Decentlab’s DL-TRS12 | Soil Moisture, Temperature and Electrical Conductivity Sensor for LoRaWAN® and DL-MBX | Ultrasonic Distance / Level Sensor for LoRaWAN®.

The collected data supports not only scientific research but also the development of methods for the early detection of changes in infiltration performance.

Visualization of Groundwater Data in Europe

Groundwater is one of the most vital freshwater resources worldwide – yet it faces increasing pressure from overuse, climate change, and land-use changes. Securing this resource is crucial for agriculture, industry, and everyday water needs.

The Water-Land-Nexus platform offers engaging interactive web dashboards that provide detailed insights into how Europe’s groundwater resources are used, distributed, and stressed. Developed by ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research as part of the EU project regulate, it visualizes:

• Areas experiencing high groundwater stress and usage conflicts

• Long-distance water use and spatial interconnections that reveal far-reaching impacts

• Regional water consumption patterns and existing data gaps critical for future monitoring

The platform demonstrates how complex hydrological and social data can be combined to make the current status and future risks transparent. It highlights the importance of reliable, location-specific sensor data for developing sustainable water management strategies.

Visit dashboards

Devices for groundwater monitoring: 
DL-PR26, DL-PR36, DL-CTD10B

Smart Tech for Water-Wise Agriculture

With growing water scarcity and climate change, new technologies are reshaping how we grow food. The so-called nexus approach aims to link water, energy, and food production into one smart system — parts of it are already in use, others still under development.

Sensors and AI-driven irrigation are proven tools: water is only used when and where plants need it. Solar panels already power many greenhouse systems, and methods like hydroponics and aeroponics reduce water consumption through closed-loop systems.

Other technologies — like harvesting water from air, passive cooling with radiative materials, or digital twins to simulate growing conditions — are technically feasible but still in early-stage pilots.

The vision: self-sufficient, resource-efficient greenhouses that can operate anywhere — from high-tech farms to smallholder operations. The full system isn’t market-ready yet, but the path forward is clear. And one thing is certain: without accurate data, none of it works. Smart measurement is the foundation of sustainable agriculture.

Devices for smart agriculture: 
DL-GMM, DL-PAR, DL-TRS12, DL-TRS21, DL-SMTP, DL-ISF,
DL-LWS

Read full article

CO₂ Monitoring in Zurich – Study Highlights Effectiveness of Sensor Networks Integrated by Decentlab

Decentlab is proud to have contributed to the successful ZiCOS‑M project, a part of ICOS Cities. The project, run by Empa Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology aimed to map the distribution and dynamics of CO₂ across the city of Zurich over two years, examining how CO₂ concentrations vary spatially and temporally, and how factors like traffic, vegetation, and wind affect these patterns.

A key focus was on using mid-cost sensors devices, including those from Decentlab, which, after careful calibration, provide reliable data and represent a cost-effective alternative to classical high-precision instruments. The study integrated three different sensor models into very similar monitoring systems integrated by Decentlab. Decentlab also provided the platforms for measurements and LoRaWAN-based data transmission.

Key findings:

• CO₂ concentrations in Zurich averaged about 15 ppm above the regional background.

• Significant fluctuations occurred at night and near forested areas, with values sometimes even exceeding 700 ppm.

• On some days, CO₂-poor air from the surrounding rural areas was transported into the city.

• After calibration, the sensors delivered precise and reliable data, comparable to expensive reference instruments.

Why it matters:
The study confirms that cost-effective and reliable sensor networks, like those deployed by Decentlab, offer a practical solution for better monitoring urban CO₂ emissions. This enables cities to track air quality more accurately and to plan targeted climate protection measures.

Full study

Heatwave in Europe: The Impacts of Heat

In June 2025, Europe experienced an exceptional heatwave with record temperatures: up to 46.6 °C in Spain and Portugal, the warmest June since 1884 in the UK, and numerous days over 40 °C in Central Europe. Data show that June 2025 was one of the hottest Junes in Europe’s history, with average temperatures about 2.5 °C higher than a century ago. In Switzerland, temperatures rose by 3.7 °C compared to the 1991–2020 average. This extreme heat caused health risks, wildfires, and disruptions to daily life.

To better understand and respond to these developments, reliable data are essential. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) provides current information on drought and risks through the National Drought Platform.

The consequences of heatwaves are wide-ranging, affecting health, ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure. A comprehensive overview of these impacts can be found in an informativ article on "dieumwelt".

As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe due to climate change, sensor-based monitoring networks play an increasingly important role. They support informed decision-making and help strengthen resilience against heat and drought.

Devices for urban climate monitoring: 
DL-BLG, DL-WRM, DL-ATM22, DL-SHT35

Old Water, New Insights

At the ETH Zurich forest lab, environmental engineers are investigating the so-called "old water paradox." Their findings are not only scientifically intriguing but also highly relevant for addressing climate change and forest conservation. The research employs a range of sensors placed in the soil, on trees and in streams – including many devices from Decentlab.

"Old water paradox"
Even during heavy rain, most of the water in the soil and streams comes from older sources — sometimes months or even years old. Only a small portion comes from recent rainfall.

Data brings clarity
Thousands of water samples show that even at just 10 cm depth, about two-thirds of the water is more than three weeks old.

Winter is crucial
Soil primarily stores water during the leafless winter season. Dry winters are therefore especially critical for water availability in summer.

Litter Layer’s Big Role
About 18% of rainfall is retained in leaves, needles, and deadwood — much more than previously thought. Only 60% of the rain actually infiltrates the soil.

Different tree strategies
Beeches use water more lavishly than spruces. The latter conserve water earlier — at the expense of photosynthesis.

Practical relevance
These findings support flood risk assessment, climate-resilient forest management, and tree species selection.

Soil quality matters
Humus-rich soil with plenty of deadwood stores significantly more water. Biodiversity also increases a forest’s resilience to climate stress.

The continuous measurements provide valuable data for the entire research community. The complete datasets are planned to be published and made freely accessible in 2025.

Read full article
Watch video (german only)

The Future of Smart Cities with IoT & AI

The combination of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming urban environments. These technologies make cities more efficient, safer, and sustainable by connecting devices with intelligent algorithms. The need for resilient infrastructure, effective resource management, and proactive safety is growing. AI enhances IoT by enabling real-time decisions and predictive analytics to manage growing populations while reducing environmental impact.

Key applications include:

Predictive maintenance: Sensors monitor critical infrastructure like bridges, water, and power systems. AI detects potential failures early to enable timely repairs.

Environmental monitoring: Sensors track air quality, water pollution, and noise; AI provides actionable insights for policymakers and citizens.

Emergency management: AI-driven IoT systems quickly detect disasters and safety incidents, coordinating efficient responses.

The combination of IoT sensors and AI is set to transform cities, making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable. The key challenge remains to ensure these technologies are accessible, secure, and equitable for all.

Bottom line: Smart cities depend on reliable, high-quality sensor data to drive informed, AI-powered decisions.

Read full article

Dramatic Glacier Collapse in the Swiss Alps

On May 28, 2025, the Swiss mountain village of Blatten (Valais) was struck by one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent Swiss history: A massive glacier collapse buried approximately 90% of the village beneath millions of tons of ice, rock, and debris.

In the weeks leading up to the event, sensors detected unusual movements on the unstable mountain slope. Continuous, automated measurements – including slope acceleration, temperature changes, and crack formation – allowed scientists and local authorities to assess the danger and evacuate the village in time. These systems provide real-time data around the clock, enabling quick and well-informed decisions in critical situations. Today, they are an indispensable tool in natural hazard mitigation.

Disasters like this underscore the vital importance of reliable environmental monitoring in sensitive alpine regions. The earlier signs of instability are detected, the greater the window for action – and the better the chances of protecting lives.

At Decentlab, our thoughts are with everyone affected in Blatten. We hope for a safe and steady recovery of the village.

Report about the monitoring in use at the site Blatten

Sap Flow Data show Grapevines withstand extreme Heat

Grapevines can tolerate extreme heatwaves when soil moisture is maintained through irrigation. This was demonstrated in a study conducted in the Riverina region (NSW, Australia), where phytomonitoring stations equipped with sap flow sensors, dendrometers, as well as temperature and humidity sensors were installed on various grapevine varieties. Despite temperatures exceeding 40 °C, sap flow remained stable as the vines were able to absorb sufficient water.

Sap flow is a commonly used indicator of plant health, as a decrease in sap flow often indicates stress. In this study, sap flow in the vines remained positively correlated with increasing temperatures. Such measurements are essential for better understanding the effects of heatwaves on crops and for developing targeted irrigation strategies. These findings highlight the importance of irrigation management during heatwaves, particularly in viticulture.

Read full article

Devices for grapevines and irrigation control: DL-ISF, DL-ZN,
DL-LWS, DL-ILT, DL-TRS12, DL-TRS21