Application of AHP and GIS for Determination of Suitable Wireless Sensor Network Zones for Oceanographic Monitoring in the South Caribbean Sea Upwelling Zone

Abstract

The monitoring and analysis of oceanographic variables is important for several research areas in marine sciences, such as marine spatial planning and integrated coastal management, among others. But, the high costs of monitoring equipment, its installation, and maintenance, damage, destruction, theft, and loss, make it difficult to monitor the maritime territory. Equipment installed in areas with environmental risks or anthropic activities showing the lack of analysis. Therefore, this paper determined the feasibility of installing a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for measurement of oceanographic variables in the South Caribbean Sea upwelling zone, using Hierarchy Analytic Process (AHP) and GIS tools (Geographic Information System). Marine ecosystems, boat traffic, fishing zones, and bathymetry criteria were used. The paired comparison matrix analysis shows the most important criterion is the buoy-type monitoring system (54.82%) far away from the marine ecosystems, while the bathymetric zone is the least relevant criterion (10.75%). It was possible to find that 62.36% of the study area is highly favorable to install the monitoring network and where it is advisable to do it, within which it is possible to avoid various risks and maximize the utility of the information, considering the different ecosystems and uses of the maritime territory. A restrictive variable to do replicable this work is the presence of GSM, GPRS or satellite coverage, otherwise, there would be no way to transmit data in real-time, involving transfers to collect the data, increasing the project’s costs. The method and results allow replicating this study in any coastal marine environment.