Developing a Visibility Predictive Model using Crowdsourced Data

Increased ocean advocacy and exploration begins with knowledge and exposure to the underwater environment and is furthered by technological and scientific advancements to increase the frequency and time spent underwater. Positive underwater experiences that promote increased participation are contingent on safe and optimal water conditions. To facilitate increased engagement, awareness, understanding, and participation with coastal environments, the DiveViz platform has developed a predictive forecasting tool of ocean visibility conditions via reports from the local diving community, measurements of water turbidity, and water quality data accessibility. During Phase II of this project, DiveViz intends to expand and refine many of their existing ocean visibility forecasting features, as well as expand citizen science contributions and local diver incentives through popular sharing, liking, and promoting features. Significant to this Phase, a primary innovation will be the development of wearable turbidity sensors for the diving community to wear during dives. This citizen science derived data, in addition to continuous measurements from stationary commercial turbidity sensors, will feed directly into DiveViz’s algorithm, thus increasing the ability to forecast water visibility and the frequency with which the global diving community explores the ocean.