Alonissos: A World First with the NOUS System

By Giannis Drenogiannis
Experience Greece

Meet NOUS, a state-of-the-art system of high-definition underwater cameras, which has been operating continuously for four years. It not only offers a live, real-time window onto the famous Peristera shipwreck but also provides intelligent surveillance powered by machine learning algorithms [1](https://nous.com.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NOUS-EN.pdf). This global innovation places Alonissos at the forefront of digital cultural heritage management, brilliantly merging cutting-edge technology with archaeological science.

The system comprises underwater cameras and a surface camera positioned on the coast, transmitting real-time images of the shipwreck and the sea surface within the Accessible Underwater Archaeological Site (AUAS) directly to the computers of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities. This setup primarily ensures year-round protection of the AUAS from any potentially harmful activities. Furthermore, it allows for remote supervision of dives when the site is open to the public [2](https://nous.com.gr/2021/07/macartneys-innovative-technology-helps-preserve-and-document-ancient-underwater-sites/). Supervisors can monitor dives directly on their computer screens and document any infringements by capturing screenshots.

The "NOUS" system boasts a wealth of automatic monitoring and protection capabilities, driven by sophisticated machine learning and image/sound processing algorithms [1](https://nous.com.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NOUS-EN.pdf). It's designed to detect any presence within the monitored zone, including divers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) [4](https://reuters.screenocean.com/record/1565175), and even the faintest light source in the darkness. Crucially, it can identify any alteration or disturbance within the site. In all such instances, alerts are automatically sent to designated recipients for immediate assessment and further investigation if necessary.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) powering "NOUS" utilises neural networks meticulously 'trained' on data specific to the Peristera shipwreck environment, the land-based equipment installation area, and the sea surface above the wreck. Various operational scenarios were tested, gathering video and image data under diverse conditions: calm seas, rough weather, daytime dives, nighttime dives, the use of artificial lighting, ROV passage, varying water turbidity levels, sediment build-up on camera lenses, and the passage of boats and other vessels. 

Installed as a pilot project at the Peristera AUAS in 2020 [1](https://nous.com.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NOUS-EN.pdf), the NOUS system continues its uninterrupted operation to this day [3](https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/undersea-shipwreck-surveillance-with-nous/).

SEE THE NOUS CAMERAS LIVE!

https://cameras.nous.com.gr/nous/allcams.html