When designing sensor networks, we need to ensure they produce representative and relevant data, but this must be offset by the financial cost of placing sensors. We describe a novel automated method for generating and combining cost and benefit values to decide on the best sensor locations using information about the specific constraints available in most coastal locations. Costs in maintenance, negotiation, equipment, exposure and communication are estimated using hydrodynamic models and Electronic Navigation Charts. Benefits in maximum coverage and reducing overall error are also determined using model output. This method demonstrates equivalent accuracy at predicting the whole system to expert-chosen locations, whilst significantly reducing the estimated costs.
Keywords: marine monitoring; sensor network design.