Getting the Most Out of Your Weather Stations: How to Measure Temperature Correctly with LoRaWAN Sensors

 

In today’s world, reliable weather data is more important than ever. Whether it’s helping farmers protect their crops, guiding smart city planners, or providing key information for climate research, having accurate temperature readings can make all the difference. But here’s the thing: just sticking a sensor out there isn’t enough to get good data. There’s a bit of science  to making sure your temperature measurements are spot on.

So, how do you make sure your weather station delivers accurate, high-quality data—especially when it’s in a tough environment like a scorching desert or a frosty mountain? With over 10 years of experience as an EU-based manufacturer of LoRaWAN IoT sensors, we’ve learned some best practices for getting the best results from your temperature sensors.

 

Temperature

 

Why LoRaWAN is a Game-Changer for Weather Stations?

 

If you’re new to LoRaWAN, it’s a type of communication technology designed for long-range, low-power devices. In other words, it’s perfect for weather stations that need to collect data from faraway places while keeping energy use low. Our sensors, designed and made in the EU, use LoRaWAN to send real-time data from even the most remote locations. This makes them ideal for monitoring in places where regular maintenance isn’t always possible.

Now, let’s get into how to use these sensors effectively to make sure you’re measuring temperature accurately.

 

 

Why Does Accurate Temperature Data Matter?

Before we get into the details, it’s worth asking: Why is temperature data so important? Well, depending on the industry, temperature data can help with:

Urban Planning: Ever heard of urban heat islands? These are areas in cities where it’s noticeably hotter due to all the concrete and buildings. Accurate temperature data can help cities tackle these hot spots and reduce energy use.
Farming: Farmers need to know when it’s too hot or too cold for their crops. Temperature data helps them decide when to irrigate, protect crops from frost, or manage livestock more effectively.
Climate Research: Temperature changes over time are one of the biggest indicators of climate change, and long-term monitoring is essential for understanding these shifts.
Industry: Cold chain management (keeping products at a consistent temperature) is crucial in industries like food and pharmaceuticals.

In short, getting temperature readings right can help businesses and governments make smarter decisions. But how do you ensure those readings are accurate? Here’s where best practices come in.

 

Farming

 

 

The Secrets to Accurate Temperature Measurement

When it comes to collecting reliable temperature data, the details really matter

 

1. Choose the Right Sensors for Your Environment

Not all sensors are created equal! Different environments need different types of sensors.

Urban Areas: In cities, you’ll want sensors that can handle direct sunlight and heat coming off buildings. A key feature for this is solar radiation shielding, which prevents the sensor from heating up due to the sun.
Farms: For agriculture, you might need sensors that can survive both frosty mornings and scorching afternoons. Temperature fluctuations can be huge, especially during growing seasons, and your sensors need to be up to the task.
Industrial Sites: Cold chain monitoring? Your sensors should be able to withstand tough conditions—whether that’s extreme cold or being bumped around in a warehouse.

Our sensors are built to last and designed for various environments, ensuring you get reliable data no matter where they’re deployed

 

KOU20 Compost sensor

 

 

STO10 Temperature probe sensor

 

2. Location, Location, Location!

Where you place your sensor is just as important as the sensor itself. Poor placement is one of the most common reasons for inaccurate temperature readings.

Avoid Obstacles: Sensors should be placed away from anything that could block airflow or reflect heat, like walls, trees, or even large shrubs. A good rule of thumb is to keep sensors at least 100 times the height of nearby obstacles. So, if you’ve got a 1-meter tall shrub nearby, the sensor should be at least 100 meters away from it.
Height Matters: For most weather stations, you want to place sensors about 2 meters above the ground. This gives a good reading of what the air temperature actually feels like. If you’re measuring for specific purposes like urban heat islands or crop management, adjust accordingly.
Stay Clear of Water or Heat Sources: Unless you’re specifically measuring heat or water effects, keep your sensors at least 100 meters away from bodies of water, heat vents, or other sources that might skew the data

Correct placement can be the difference between useful data and a bunch of meaningless numbers.

 

SMC30 Outdoor microclimate sensor

 

3. Pre-Deployment Testing Saves Headaches Later

Once you’ve chosen your sensors and figured out where to place them, it’s time to test everything out. Before putting your sensors in the field, run some tests to make sure they’re working correctly.

Check the Batteries: You don’t want to install a sensor in a remote area only to have it die a few days later. Make sure you’re using high-quality, industrial-grade batteries.
Test Data Readings: Put the sensors in a controlled environment and check the data they’re producing. If anything seems off, now’s the time to catch it, not after you’ve already installed it in the field.

Inside of a senstick

 

4. Installation: Secure and Smart

Now that you’re ready to install the sensors, make sure they’re properly secured. Harsh weather, high winds, wildlife, and even curious humans can knock them out of place.

Mounting: Use sturdy poles and high-quality materials to secure the sensors. Flimsy mounting systems can lead to inaccurate readings or even damage the sensors.
Cable Protection: Don’t forget about the cables! Animals love to chew on exposed cables, so make sure they’re protected.
Solar Radiation Shielding: Don’t let direct sunlight mess with your temperature readings. Use radiation shields to prevent the sun from artificially heating the sensors.

 

5. Maintenance and Ongoing Monitoring

Even after your weather station is up and running, you can’t just forget about it. Keep an eye on the data and do regular maintenance to ensure everything’s working smoothly.

Regular Checks: Check the data daily for the first few days, then weekly, and eventually monthly. If something looks off, investigate it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Cleaning and Calibration: Make sure to clean the sensors and recalibrate them if needed. Dust, bird droppings, and other debris can mess with your readings.
Watch Out for Vandalism: Unfortunately, sometimes sensors are tampered with. Make sure they’re installed in a secure location, and consider using sensors with tamper alerts.

 

CHECK OUT our SMART CITY USE CASES

 

 

Downtown Cary Park installed 30 x SMC30 temperature sensors that provide insights into how the various parts of the park feel at different times of day, in all seasons, and in various weather conditions, which can be used to make future decisions about the evolution of the park’s features

Pilot area for VARCITIES is a former hospital site in the medieval centre of the city Sensors measure local climatic conditions, with various climate parameters such as air quality, air humidity, temperature and amount of precipitation.

The city of Parramatta measures microclimate data, so that they can control the evaporation cooling devices and turn them on based on the actual air temperature and humidity.

 More use cases here : https://senzemo.com