# Monitoring System Enhancing the Potential of Urban Bekeeping
## 2 Methods
### Monitoring System for Urban Beekeping--Assumptions
#### 2.1.1 Metrological Assumptions  
It was assumed that the monitoring shall focus on the honey bee colony, but the colony is to be observed in the context of the environment of the beehive and the beehive's surroundings. To provide a wide range of information, monitoring must be multimodal and multiparametric. The monitoring system shall allow: (1) to observe the beehives' interiors and entrances, (2) to measure multiple physical and chemical parameters of air inside the beehives and outside them, in the apiary, (3) to record the beehives' weight, and (4) to observe meteorological conditions in the apiary. Measurements of Physical and Chemical Parameters of Air Inside the Beehives and Outside Them  
The beehive air is a unique and complex mixture of many different volatile compounds. They are emitted by honey bees themselves (e.g., pheromones, other chemicals released to repel pests and predators, metabolites, etc.). However, multiple volatile substances come from honey, nectar, larvae, beeswax, pollen, and propolis. They are also released by materials out of which hives are constructed (wood, paint, plastic, etc.). Additionally, volatile compounds emitted by external sources (road traffic, building installations, etc.) find their way into the beehive, because the beehive is not an isolated system. Due to ventilation, outside air is brought inside. The composition of beehive air and its physical parameters are sources of information about honey bee colony activity, health, and overall well-being [29; 30]. However, they are also expected to indicate the magnitude of the impact of the ambient environment on the honey bee colony. To study the influence of the urban environment on the honey bee, it is proposed to monitor the air inside and outside the hives in parallel. An informative set of physical and chemical parameters is required to achieve this goal. The following ones were chosen: temperature, relative humidity, CO\({}_{2}\) concentration, the content of volatile organic compounds, and the concentration of particulate matter. It was proposed to apply the same methods and techniques for measuring these parameters inside as well as outside the hives. The feasibility of this solution had to be verified in real conditions, similar to the informative potential of the parameters selected for measurement. The factors that influence honey bees act in various time scales. For this reason, we proposed to apply high temporal resolution of data recording by the monitoring system. Based on our previous measurement experience, the time resolution of 1 s was initially set, with a possibility of adjustment if needed. Due to the strong dependence of honey bee performance on meteorological conditions, a simple weather station could be installed in the apiary. A bee colony is a complex society. By all means, the opportunity to observe its life in real time is appealing. By applying the appropriate technical measures for watching the beehive interior and its entrance, one could be able to recognize different kinds of honey bee activities, their intensity, and temporal variation. Also, the honey bee combs management procedures become revealed (eggs laying, brood breeding, nectar, and pollen storage). The goal may be attained, for example, using video monitoring. This implementation promises several other advantages. (1) Video monitoring may act as a supplement to beehive inspections. In urban conditions, the beekeeper oftentimes does not live next to the apiary, which may monitored by a volunteer, or someone hired, who visits the place only according to the schedule. In such circumstances, cases of honey bee colony losses have been noted due to delayed interventions. Utilizing video monitoring combinedwith real-time streaming offers the possibility of a remote check of the situation in the beehive. It will not replace the detailed inspection, but may be critical in identifying a warning signal.