Audio Data Processing & Computer Analysis
The flowchart image and its text description below the image explain how the Eclipse Soundscapes team handles and analyzes eclipse audio data from ES Data Collectors. This page outlines the steps from receiving and sorting data to uploading, sharing, and analyzing. This process will ensure that data is well-organized, analyzed for significant changes, and shared properly. We are currently in stage 3.
Flowchart Image
Data Flow Chart Explained
Text Description
Stage 1
Receipt, Sorting, & Metadata Organizing:
Input: Data from 1,310 volunteers submitting online registrations with site location, calculated eclipse time, percentage of totality, and 494 microSD cards submitted by volunteers, some with written time and location notes.
Process:
- Match each microSD card to the corresponding online location data and Eclipse Soundscapes ID (ES ID#) to create a metadata spreadsheet
- If no microSD card or online location data is available, attempt to review volunteer-submitted offline location notes for manual entry. If written location notes are unavailable, the process halts for that dataset.
- Merge metadata with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center eclipse data to determine the eclipse percentage and maximum time for each dataset.
- Organize each dataset into hardcopy backups by site name and ES ID#.
Delays: Manual entry is required when online data is incomplete or missing.
Stage 2
Upload & Backup Raw Data:
Input: Metadata spreadsheet and raw audio data from microSD cards.
Process:
- Ensure the microSD card’s audio data matches its ES ID# in the metadata spreadsheet.
- Verify if the audio data has a timestamp. If no timestamp exists, review volunteer notes to determine date and time for manual tagging, adding this information to the metadata spreadsheet.
- Upload raw audio data and create a backup.
- Zip audio files by site for easier handling.
Delays: Manual entry occurs if timestamps or metadata are incomplete.
Stage 3
Share Audio Data
Input: Processed metadata and zipped audio files.
Process:
- Develop Auidio and metadata sharing API to work with Zenodo data repository
- Prepare metadata and audio files for sharing in Zenodo, using Eclipse Soundscapes (ES)-developed APIs.
- Create a Zenodo template and merge data for streamlined uploads.
- Share rawl data publicly on Zenodo. Click to access the public and free audio data from Eclipse Soundscapes on Zenodo.
Open Source: All ES programs and APIs developed for the ES process are shared openly on the ARISA-Lab-LLC/ESCSP GitHub Repository.
Stage 4
Soundscape Data Analysis
Input: Audio files split into one-minute chunks.
Process:
- Analyze data for “Vocal Richness” and species identification using machine learning tools such as CityNet CNN and BirdNet.
- Publish processed results and findings.
Open Source: All ES programs and APIs developed for the ES process are shared openly on the ARISA-Lab-LLC/ESCSP GitHub Repository.
2024 ES Audio Recording Sites Map
The map below shows the locations where audio data for the 2024 Eclipse Soundscapes project was recorded and shared with the ES team. The recordings are being analyzed for any changes that occurred due to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The map also illustrates the eclipse path. The ES team is still receiving data, and this map was updated on June 5, 2024. If the map does not load, or if you want to view it in a separate tab, click here.
491 MicroSD Cards Being Processed & Prepped for Analysis
- 340 Sites are on the total solar eclipse path
- 151 Sites experienced a partial solar eclipse
To view the ES ID #, latitude and longitude, and eclipse coverage %, click on the pin in the map.
To view the total eclipse sites or the partial eclipse sites in isolation, click on the square in the top left corner of the map to change the map layers.
Data Receipt List
The embedded Google spreadsheet lists information based on ES ID#. It shows whether we’ve received your location information via the online form and your microSD card, as well as your data processing group. If the Data Receipt List spreadsheet doesn’t load or you want to open it in another tab, click here.
ES Learning Community
Eclipse Soundscapes collected sound data and observations from the October 2023 annular and April 2024 total solar eclipses to study their impact on U.S. ecosystems. As we process and share this data, we’ll provide updates through webinars, social media, and our email list. We’ll also highlight similar projects, so stay involved for more insights!
Upcoming Webinars
No upcoming webinars are currently scheduled. Check back soon or follow Eclipse Soundscapes on social media to stay updated!
Previous ES Learning Community Webinars
Echoes of the Night Sky: How AudioMoth Technology is Enhancing Nocturnal Migration Research
Recorded October 23, 2024
On October 23, 2024 Eclipse Soundscapes hosted a community webinar, where attendees learned how AudioMoth devices donated by the Eclipse Soundscapes project will be contributing to scientific research. Brad Bumgardner, Executive Director at Indiana Audubon, introduced their pilot program, Echoes of the Night Sky, which focuses on nocturnal migration monitoring in Indiana. This initiative, launched in Spring 2024, aimed to collect data on nocturnal flight calls to better understand bird migration patterns. The donated AudioMoth devices will help to expand the program.
Closed Captioning Information
Due to a technical issue with the Closed Captioning (CC) for the October 23 webinar recording, you can instead download the October 23 transcript as a PDF here.
Harnessing AudioMoths for Nighttime Nature Conservation
Recorded 8/21/2024
In this recorded Eclipse Soundscapes Community webinar, Don Ficken of Dark Sky Missouri discussed two projects using AudioMoths, donated by the Eclipse Soundscapes community, to protect nature at night. The first project, Nocturnal Flight Calls – Lights Out Heartland, analyzes nocturnal bird calls during migration to encourage turning off lights at night. The second project captures nighttime sounds to connect the public and conservationists with nocturnal wildlife and promote reducing outdoor lighting. Both projects are being piloted in St. Louis with plans to expand. The webinar highlighted how AudioMoths support scientific exploration. You can also read more in our August Blog post titled “Blog – Dark Sky Missouri Uses AudioMoths to Study Nature at Night.”
Audio Data Upload & Processing Information Webinar
Recorded 5/28/2024
In the May 28 Audio Data Upload and Processing Information Webinar, the Eclipse Soundscapes team shared our progress on uploading and processing audio data from the 2023 Annular solar eclipse and the 2024 total solar eclipse and our plans for managing the large volume of data.
Post Eclipse Webinar: Participation Stats & Data Processing Insights
Recorded 4/30/2024
In this webinar following the 2024 eclipse, the Eclipse Soundscapes (ES) team discusses the participation numbers for the Eclipse Soundscapes Project and explains Stage 1 of initial data processing, which involves receiving online location information and physical MicroSD cards from ES Data Collectors and organizing and sorting those submissions to prepare for audio data upload and computer processing.
To view the Google Slides used in this webinar click here.