IoT Sensor Network
Live sensor data from the MTG IoT Network across the Isle of Man. Devices report rainfall, solar radiation, temperature, air quality and more via LoRaWAN.
Under Development
The MTG IoT Network is actively being built out. We are migrating sensors onto the new platform and calibrating data collection. Readings shown here may be incomplete, intermittent, or reflect test data while devices are being commissioned. Historical data will accumulate as the network stabilises.
Understanding the Measurements
☀️ PPFD (PAR) — Why It Matters
Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density measures the amount of light available for photosynthesis — the light plants actually use to grow. Measured in µmol/m²/s (micromoles of photons per square metre per second).
For Isle of Man agriculture, PPFD data helps farmers understand growing conditions: values above 200 µmol/m²/s indicate good growing light, while readings below 100 suggest overcast conditions where growth slows. Peak summer days on the island can reach 1,500+ µmol/m²/s.
Combined with rainfall data, PPFD gives a real-time picture of whether crops are getting enough light and water — critical for planning irrigation and harvest timing.
🌧️ Rainfall — Tipping Bucket
Rain gauges use a tipping bucket mechanism — each tip registers 0.2mm of rainfall. The sensor reports a cumulative pulse count, from which we calculate total and 24-hour rainfall.
The Isle of Man receives approximately 1,100mm of rainfall per year, with the highest amounts on Snaefell and the northern hills. Coastal areas like Port Erin receive around 850mm.
📡 How It Works
Battery-powered LoRaWAN sensors transmit readings every 5-15 minutes. Gateways relay data to the MTG IoT Network server, where Smart Island auto-detects device types, decodes binary payloads, and publishes structured readings as open data.