Sensing the Environment Using a Cargo Bike

Remote sensing plays a critical role in assessing urban landscapes. Despite advances in spatial and temporal resolution, satellite-based remote sensing alone cannot capture fine-scale variations in aspects such as temperature, humidity, air quality and others. This shows a need for in-situ measurements to accompany satellite data, which cannot always be satisfied by the limited network of existing fixed measuring stations. This paper introduces a cargo bicycle outfitted with environmental sensors to address this gap, offering high spatial and temporal resolution for in-situ measurements. We detail the design and implementation of the cargo bike with its sensors as well as the data processing systems developed for this purpose. The results of a measurement campaign conducted in June 2024 demonstrate the system’s effectiveness. This approach enables a more comprehensive understanding of urban environmental dynamics, paving the way for enhanced environmental monitoring in cities.