Spotter
The Spotter is an integrated solution for collecting ocean data. The Spotter platform consists of a globally-connected Spotter Device (“Spotter”) and the online Spotter Dashboard & API. The Dashboard provides access to real-time Spotter data, system status and alerts, data visualization, and allows you to configure your Spotter remotely.
We included a copy of the Spotter user guide with the Spotter. Please click the links below for additional information regarding your brand new Spotter!
Spotter Pre-deployment Procedure (Video)
Spotter Data: Subscription, Renewals, & Pricing
Spotter Data Guide
Dashboard Instructions
This video provides instructions on how to get started with the Spotter dashboard.
Spotter Dashboard Instructions (Video)
Spotter Dashboard File Download CSV Guide
Spotter API
For detailed documentation on available API endpoints and how to format requests, check out the Spotter & Smart Mooring API Specification website.
Onboard SD Card Data
Parsing Script
If you are interested in analyzing your SD card data, we recommend downloading the latest parsing script to assist you. The script will help associate your data with a human-readable timestamp as well as translate spectral data into bulk parameters.
SD Card Data Parsing Script Details
Spotter Wave Parameters
Spotter measures time series of the three-dimensional wave motions, and calculates estimates of wave spectra and directional moments. The spectra and directional moments can be transmitted to the Dashboard for real-time access (Waves:Spectrum mode). To reduce data transmission size (and thus costs), Spotter also calculates wave bulk statistical parameters, such as significant wave height, peak and mean periods, and directional parameters, which can be transmitted instead (Waves:Standard mode). The complete recorded motion time series and the bulk statistical parameters are stored on the onboard SD card for custom post-processing by the user. All on-board calculations and parameter definitions follow standard oceanographic practice (see e.g. Kuik et al. 1988, J. Phys. Ocean.) The specific definitions of parameters calculated by Spotter are given here:
Spotter Technical Reference Manual (i.e. Wave spectrum, Bulk Wave Parameters, Partitioned Data)
Spotter Mooring Guidelines
Spotter is designed to either drift freely or be anchored to the seafloor. If you are planning to anchor Spotter to the seafloor, you need to build a mooring. To help you with that process, we’ve pulled together some guidelines on how you can build a lightweight and low-cost mooring solution.
Spotter Mooring Guidelines v1.0
Spotter Mooring Guidelines v1.2
Note: For Spotters bought before July 2022, please use v1.0. For Spotters bought during or after July 2022, please use v1.2.
Spotter Firmware Updates
Whenever a newer firmware version is available for your Spotter, you will be notified on the Dashboard.
