Environmental sensor networks

• Published in: Computer (Long Beach, Calif.) Vol. 37; no. 8; pp. 50 - 56
• Main Authors: Martinez, K., Hart, J.K., Ong, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.08.2004; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Arrays; Climate change; Condition monitoring; Environmental engineering; Filtering; Global warming; Innovations; Intelligent sensors; Kirk field collapse effect; Miniaturization; Monitoring; Network servers; Networks; Remote monitoring; Sensor arrays; Sensor phenomena and characterization; Sensor systems; Sensors; Vehicle detection; Wireless networks; Wireless sensor networks
• ISSN: 0018-9162; 1558-0814
• DOI: 10.1109/MC.2004.91

The developments in wireless network technology and miniaturization makes it possible to realistically monitor the natural environment. Within the field of environmental sensor networks, domain knowledge is an essential fourth component. Before designing and installing any system, it is necessary to understand its physical environment and deployment in detail. Sensor networks are designed to transmit data from an array of sensors to a server data repository. They do not necessarily use a simple one way data stream over a communication network rather elements of the system decide what data to pass on, using local area summaries and filtering to minimize power use while maximizing the information content. The Envisense Glacs Web project is developing a monitoring system for a glacial environment. Monitoring the ice caps and glaciers provides valuable information about the global warming and climate change.