In many security and monitoring scenarios, it is not enough to detect that “something is there” – we also need to know where several transmitters are, often at the same time. The new study by Staridas et al. proposes a triangulation-based method that can estimate the position of multiple transmitters using a fixed network of sensors spread over a large area. Instead of relying on expensive hardware that measures distance, the method uses “range-free” sensors, which only need to know the direction of the signal and not how far away it is.

Although the scientific article that inspired these news items focuses on wireless spectrum monitoring and security-related use cases, the methods developed are broadly applicable. Any situation where sensors are used to observe an area—on land, at sea or underwater—can benefit from a clear picture of where coverage is strong and where it is weak. This includes environmental monitoring, disaster response, wildlife tracking and the protection of critical infrastructure, all of which are relevant to UnderSec’s mission. 

No monitoring system is perfect, and real-life situations often involve unexpected changes, such as sensor malfunctions, maintenance needs or environmental shifts. The UnderSec study includes scenarios that explore what happens when a sensor fails within the network and how this affects the overall ability to detect new transmitters. These examples show that some failures can have a strong impact on coverage, especially in areas where the network is already under pressure. 

Installing or upgrading a sensor network in the real world is expensive and time-consuming, especially when it involves critical areas such as ports, coastal zones or other sensitive infrastructures. UnderSec’s research demonstrates how planning can be significantly improved by simulating different sensor configurations on screen before any physical changes are made in the field. This reduces the risk of trial-and-error deployments and helps make better use of public resources. 

Behind the user-friendly maps developed in UnderSec lies a rigorous scientific method that uses geometry, signal behaviour and advanced algorithms. Traditionally, analysing wireless sensor coverage requires dealing with many variables: sensor locations, detection ranges, angles, obstacles and signal interferences. This is often described in mathematical language that can be difficult to access for non-specialists, even though the decisions based on these analyses affect many people. 

The UnderSec project is working to make complex sensor networks easier to understand and manage for everyone involved, from engineers to public authorities and citizens. In many monitoring systems, such as those used to protect critical infrastructures or coastal areas, sensors can be affected by other transmitters in their surroundings, creating “blind spots” where detection becomes weaker. These blind spots are usually hidden behind technical details and are difficult to see without advanced expertise. 

The UnderSec Project was in the spotlight at the HNPS2025 International Conference, held on June 6th and 7th, 2025, where leading researchers and professionals gathered to discuss cutting-edge applications of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The conference, renowned for its focus on experimental and theoretical physics, engineering, and industry, provided an ideal platform for presenting the latest advancements of the mini-KATERINA radioactivity sensor.

The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) presented the UnderSec Project at the RAP2025 International Conference, held from May 26th to 30th, 2025, through a dedicated poster session. The event brought together over 150 researchers and professionals from across the globe, focusing on the latest advancements in radiation applications for marine, environmental, and engineering sciences.

The UnderSec project participated at the PERIVALLON final event held on November 27, 2025, at KEMEA in Athens. During the event, UnderSec consortium partner Manibus showcased the cutting-edge system capabilities for underwater security, emphasizing its role in combating environmental crimes related to underwater sabotage, illegal dumping of radioactive materials, and other maritime threats.

The General Assembly of UNDERSEC Project held on the 1st of August 2025, considering the lack of registrations, decided, in accordance with SMAUG Project, to cancel the joint workshop expected for the 16th of September and, consequently, to postpone to another date and venue the Plenary Meeting scheduled for the same date at Ravenna Port.