If you are trying to find turtles’ nests and you can only have a very lightweight GPS device, we need a way to be sure the GPS only turns on when the turtle is walking, not when the turtle is swimming. Our accelerometer/gyroscope sensor can detect a swimming turtle with 99% accuracy. As for walking, the accuracy is lower. But then, as the user, you get to program about 10 different settings that determine how the sensor will inform the microprocessor regarding turning on the GPS in different scenarios. It is complicated but we are happy to explain it to you. Please email sales@telemetrysolutions.com to schedule a no pressure, informational phone call or Zoom. We’re happy to help.
Understanding animal movement is one of the most fascinating—and challenging—parts of wildlife research. Animals don’t move in predictable patterns, and their environment is constantly shifting. For researchers, gathering accurate and continuous data is essential for understanding behavior, habitat use, seasonal changes, and survival. One tool that makes this possible is Swim and Walk Detection technology.
At Telemetry Solutions, we design sensors that help researchers track movement with accuracy and reliability. If you’re curious about how swim and walk detection works, why it matters, and how it’s used in real-world applications, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What Is Swim and Walk Detection?
Swim and walk detection refers to the ability of a sensor—usually embedded in a GPS or activity tracking device—to determine whether an animal is walking on land or swimming in water. While this may sound simple, the distinction is incredibly valuable for understanding animal behavior and survival patterns.
For many species, movement between land and water is a key part of their daily lives. Beavers, turtles, otters, marine mammals, and even certain birds constantly shift between environments. Detecting when they swim versus when they walk gives researchers behavioral insights that traditional location data alone cannot provide.
GPS coordinates tell you where an animal is, but activity sensors tell you what it’s doing. Knowing whether an animal is walking or swimming provides context for patterns such as:
This added layer of detail helps researchers build a complete picture of an animal’s life.
Swim and walk detection data helps identify crucial habitats like:
With accurate behavior data, conservationists can make better decisions regarding habitat protection and restoration.
For some species, time spent in water can indicate risk or distress. If an animal remains in water for an unusually long period, this may suggest:
Reliable swim detection can serve as an early indicator that something is wrong.
Most swim/walk detection systems rely on advanced motion sensors combined with smart algorithms. Telemetry Solutions uses accelerometers designed to measure movement along multiple axes. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Walking produces a different type of motion signature than swimming. For example:
The accelerometer can easily pick up these differences.
In some species, the orientation of the body changes when entering water. Sensors detect changes in angle and posture that help classify movement.
The frequency of limb movements or body undulations differs between walking and swimming. Algorithms analyze these frequencies to determine the correct activity.
Paired with other sensors, swim detection can also consider:
These additional cues help refine detection accuracy, especially in complex environments.
Beavers, otters, muskrats, and seals frequently transition between land and water. Swim and walk detection helps researchers understand:
Swim detection indicates when turtles are actively swimming, resting, nesting, or surfacing. Combining movement data with GPS tracks provides a full understanding of migration and nesting behavior.
Some birds alternate between walking on land, wading, and swimming. With accurate movement detection, researchers gain insights into foraging success and energy expenditure.
Swim detection data can be used in research on fish species equipped with specialized tags, helping monitor migration and habitat use.
At Telemetry Solutions, our mission is to make wildlife tracking simpler, smarter, and more reliable. Our swim and walk detection sensors stand out because they are:
Highly Accurate
We fine-tune our algorithms using real-world field data so detection remains reliable across species and environments.
Customizable
Every species is different. That’s why we customize sensor parameters based on:
Ultra Lightweight
Our sensors are designed to minimize interference with natural behavior—essential for ethical and effective wildlife research.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
Researchers can track movement for extended periods without constant maintenance or battery changes.
Integrated with GPS and Activity Loggers
You get both movement type and precise location data in one compact system—simplifying analysis and improving accuracy.
Swim and walk detection is more than just a technological feature—it’s a powerful research tool that gives scientists a deeper look into the life of an animal. By distinguishing between swimming and walking, researchers gain insights that support better conservation strategies, behavioral understanding, and long-term ecological planning.
At Telemetry Solutions, we’re proud to support wildlife researchers with cutting-edge tracking and detection tools that deliver accuracy when it matters most.
If you’re looking for customizable swim and walk detection sensors tailored to your research needs, our team is here to help.
