Environmental Systems and Sustainable Development Research Laboratory

The Laboratory is an interdisciplinary hub, designed to analyze the complex interactions between natural and anthropic systems. By utilizing General Systems Theory (TGS) as its conceptual backbone, such a laboratory treats geographic and ecological units not as isolated components, but as integrated, dynamic systems with complex feedback loops.

In addition to its macro-level systemic research, the laboratory team actively conducts high-resolution environmental impact assessments and vulnerability mapping within sensitive Natura 2000 protected areas and transitional socio-ecological zones. By deploying precision field instrumentation—including Class 2 digital sound data loggers, electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation meters, and high-sensitivity sky quality sensors—the team quantifies the overlapping footprint of modern anthropic stress vectors such as noise pollution, EMF radiation, and artificial light pollution (ALAN) on vulnerable ecosystems. These empirical sensory metrics are directly coupled with multi-temporal satellite imagery and UAV photogrammetry to monitor land use and land cover change (LULCC) over time. This integrated approach allows the laboratory to model exactly how micro-environmental degradation and habitat fragmentation threaten local biodiversity, providing actionable, spatially explicit datasets essential for regional conservation planning, regulatory compliance, and sustainable landscape management.

Services

Environmental Acoustics & Urban Noise Assessment

This service focuses on monitoring, mapping, and evaluating noise pollution in urban, residential, and industrial areas. Utilizing high-precision sonometers, the laboratory measures ambient noise levels to identify pollution hotspots, assess compliance with environmental regulations, and design strategic noise mitigation plans. This is ideal for urban planners, local municipalities, and industrial developers looking to optimize living conditions or complete environmental impact assessments.

GIS-Based Habitat & Biodiversity Mapping

Leveraging the combined power of GIS software, aerial drone surveying, and spatial modeling, this service provides high-resolution cartographic tracking of ecosystems. The laboratory maps the distribution of key plant and animal species and quantifies human-induced pressures on protected natural areas (such as Natura 2000 sites). These studies help environmental agencies and NGOs establish baseline data, monitor habitat degradation, and build sustainable management plans for vulnerable biomes.

Equipment

DJI Mini 3 ultra-lightweight camera drone - Quantity: 1

DJI Mini 3 is a compact, ultra-lightweight camera drone built for adventure. It features extended battery life, detail-rich 4K HDR video, and features like True Vertical Shooting .
Record in dazzling 4K HDR with true-to-life colors both day and night. [3] Mini 3's camera is equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with dual native ISO and chip-level HDR technology. During the day, capture highlight and shadow details for more nuanced visual results with greater depth. Continue to capture clearly and vividly, even as day turns to night.The camera's f/1.7 aperture and larger 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels record clear details and present exceptional imagery even in low-light scenarios. And with 4x zoom, you can explore further and scout locations before you shoot.

Voltcraft SL-451 Sound Level Meter and Data Logger - Quantity: 3

Digital sound level meter according to EN 61672-1 class 2 with an unbeatable set of features. In addition to standard features, the SL-451 has a data logger and USB port. With a robust housing and moulded protective rubber case, this device is suitable for use in tough conditions. The device has a measurement range from 30 to 130 dB with auto-range function. The integrated data logger lets you store up to 32 000 measurements, which can be transferred to your PC and processed using the software supplied. You can therefore easily monitor sound levels on a long-term basis. The detachable microphone and the supplied 3 m extension cable enable measurements to be carried out in hard-to-reach places. The software of the SL-451 permits measurements and analyses to DIN 15905-5 to avoid risk of hearing loss due to high noise levels from electro-acoustic equipment.

PeakTech® P 5086» Digital LED Lux Meter - Quantity: 2

This LED LUX meter with 3 3/4-digit LCD display (max. 3999) is a precise measuring device which is suitable for measuring the illuminance of LED lights, fluorescent or conventional filament lamps with different light colors. The measurement is carried out in lux (lx), foot candle (fc) or candela (cd). Simple lux meters are mostly only for the measurement of standard light e.g. Filament lamps with a color temperature of 2856 K are suitable and deliver inaccurate measurement results at different color temperatures. With the PeakTech 5086, different light source factors can be set, e.g. to measure different neon lamps, filament lamps, red, blue, yellow or daylight LEDs. The device has 10 freely adjustable correction factors for various light sources, 99 memory locations for measured values and other useful measurement functions, such as a minimum and maximum value function or data hold, and is therefore ideally suited for professional use in occupational safety or for evaluating lighting systems.

AV400 Radon Detector Quantity: 2

The AV400 Radon Detector is a high-precision, continuous environmental monitoring instrument designed for real-time detection and quantification of indoor and geological radon gas concentrations. Integrated with advanced sensor technology for high-sensitivity alpha spectrometry, the device tracks fluctuations in radon levels and pairs seamlessly with a dedicated mobile application via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This smartphone integration enables researchers and environmental scientists to visualize real-time air quality metrics, log long-term temporal data, and receive instant alert notifications regarding threshold breaches. By streamlining automated data acquisition and remote telemetry, the AV400 serves as a crucial tool for radio-ecological assessments, geological risk mapping, and the continuous systemic monitoring of environmental health within vulnerable or protected zones.

TriField EMF Meter Model TF2 - Quantity: 2

The TriField EMF Meter Model TF2 is an AC gaussmeter, AC electric field meter, and radio power density meter in a single unit, that combines all the features needed for fast, accurate measurements of electromagnetic fields (EMF).
In addition to standard AC measurement modes, a special frequency weighted mode will properly scale the magnetic and electric measurements to indicate the full magnitude of currents produced by each type of field inside the human body.

Features:
Detects all three types of EMF pollution: AC magnetic, AC electric, and RF/microwave
Special frequency weighting mode for measuring electric current from EMF in the human body
AC Magnetic Mode covers 40 Hz – 100 kHz with range of 0.1 – 100.0 milligauss (mG)
AC Electric Mode covers 40 Hz – 100 kHz with range of 1 – 1000 volts per meter (V/m)
RF Mode covers 20 MHz – 6 GHz with range of 0.001 – 19.999 milliwatts per square meter (mW/m2).AC magnetic measurements are 3-axis, allowing for quick readings, regardless of meter orientation.Large liquid-crystal display (LCD) for crystal clear, accurate readings ,Adjustable backlight for use in low-light environments, Audio Indicator emits sound that helps to pinpoint EMF sources,Peak Hold captures fast pulses, for measuring fast digital signals, Operates for more than 20 hours on a 9V battery, with a low battery indicator Includes soft carry case

PNI Hunting 400C PRO 24MP Wildlife Camera- Quantity: 4

The PNI Hunting 400C PRO functions as an advanced bio-monitoring system designed for non-invasive wildlife surveying and ecological assessment within protected habitats. Equipped with a high-resolution 24MP sensor and 59 invisible, no-glow infrared LEDs, the device captures high-definition video and photography without disrupting animal behavior or altering natural nocturnal dynamics. Through integrated GPS tracking and high-speed 4G LTE connectivity, the camera enables real-time environmental data acquisition by executing simultaneous video and photo transmissions directly to cellular devices, dedicated FTP servers, and up to four independent email recipients. This automated telemetry infrastructure ensures continuous, long-term spatial monitoring, providing crucial datasets for population density analysis, behavioral ecology, and the overarching systemic management of conservation zones.