# Monitoring System Enhancing the Potential of Urban Bekeeping
## 2 Methods
### Monitoring System for Urban Beekeping--Assumptions
#### 2.1.2 Technical Assumptions  
The relatively small dimensions and complexity of the beehive environment result in specific criteria that the devices intended for inside-beehive operation should meet. Regarding the measurement of air parameters inside the beehive, it was assumed that sensor technology is the best choice for realizing this task Recently, the application of sensors in apiculture is growing in popularity [27; 28; 29; 35]. Small, autonomous sensors can provide versatile information in real time with no disturbance to honey bee colonies. Sensors are widely available, affordable, and durable. They offer good accuracy and sensitivity, present a relatively small consumption of energy, and in most cases, they are easy to integrate into multiparametric measurement systems. In addition, they are lightweight, and not bulky in size. However, it shall be noted that some constituents of beehive air can cause sensor memory effects and sensor drift. Regarding video monitoring, it was assumed that a small size digital camera operating in the visual range, fitted with the field of view illumination shall be tested as a first choice in this application. It is certainly clear, that the devices located inside the beehive should be accepted by the insects as an integral part of the hive environment. In particular, the organization of the hive space, which is familiar to the honey bees, needs to be preserved. The potential disturbance associated with their presence and operation in the beehive should be minimized. The device should: (1) occupy little space and not disrupt the spatial organization inside the hive, (2) be noiseless (within achievable limits), (3) not affect the natural air circulation in the beehive, (4) not change the composition of the beehive air, (5) not release or absorb significant amounts of heat, and (6) not emit light that is stronger than daylight. It is requested that the position of the measuring devices in the hive can be easily changed so that different parts of the beehive can be examined. The devices should not make the inspection of the hive more difficult than usual. The entrance of the hive may be observed with an outdoor camera, mounted laterally, facing the hive. The camera shall operate in the visible light range during the day and infrared at night. This will make it possible to dispense with external lighting of the apiary. The cameras are to provide magnification sufficient to distinguish individual honey bees, as their number and movement are of interest. To assure continuous and reliable operation of the monitoring system, its elements that are mounted inside the beehive have to withstand the beehive's gaseous atmosphere. In addition, they may require protection from the dissatisfaction of the honey bees resulting in the purposeful deposition of propolis or wax. The devices that operate outdoors are naturally exposed to rain, sunlight, wind, and other adversities that are detrimental to optics and most electronic systems. For these reasons, the external modules of the system shall be fitted with adequate protection from meteorological conditions. Adequate precautions will prevent measurement errors and breaks in system operation. All data collected by the monitoring system should be available remotely, in real-time, including continuous video streaming. Fast data transmission without delays and interruption is critical for this application. Given the request for continuous and uninterrupted operation of the monitoring system, the reliability of the power supply is very important. For this reason, batteries, solar panels, or combined solutions were not considered the major, or exclusive means of power supply. It is assumed that the power outlet is made directly available in the apiary and that the whole urban beehive monitoring system is directly plugged in. In the densely built urban environment, in particular city centres, the best place for the apiary is the roof. This location features a close neighbourhood of the building's technical infrastructure.