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Earth observation set to get smarter 

Latest technology developments are set to improve earth observation of microclimates, traffic congestion right down to energy consumption in your home. More than just monitoring movement, the sensor web can become a a thinking presence in the environment. 

A revolutionary new concept in Earth Observation will allow the animation and thus analysis of the behaviour of real world objects in the environment.

The CSIR Satellite Applications Centre (SAC) (South Africa)is currently working on a science plan for the development of an adaptable sensor network that can re-configure itself to answer user-defined queries about the state of the environment.

The Sensor Web is an observation system that provides a pervasive, continuous, embedded monitoring presence of the Earth, which facilitates the observation of emergent behaviour and provides a platform from which to determine drivers of change. By synthesising collected information over large spatial areas, the Sensor Web obtains an environmental awareness and can literally become a thinking presence within the
environment. This new breed of instrument will transform the way we explore, monitor and control environments and will have an impact on many areas including disaster management, transportation planning, agriculture, ecology, security and defence.

For example, it can be used to monitor microclimates and concentrations of nutrients for agricultural purposes, to track flows of toxins in ground water, monitor traffic congestion, or environmental conditions in an office building.

Andrew Terhorst, Earth Observation Manager at CSIR SAC, says he believes the Sensor Web not only satisfies the national requirement of creating a new technology platform for Earth Observation, but that it could also serve as the architectural framework for a Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS), as informed by the World Summit on
Sustainable Development in 2002.

A Sensor Web could be regarded as a single vast macro-instrument, the surveying area of which could be expanded by multiple deployments of sensors. Just as the connections between neurons in the brain give rise to intelligent behaviour, the Sensor Web's measurements are shared, and interpreted, as they pass from among its many pods. It is expected that this global sharing of information will lead to a special kind of synergy, meaning that the sum of their activity yields more useful information than would be available from the separate parts.

The development of a prototype sensor web will benefit South Africa in a number of ways. Besides providing a backbone for Earth Observation and the GEOSS, it could contribute to more informed decision-making - from energy consumption at home to planetary influences.

The science plan underwent a rigorous international peer review at a workshop held at the CSIR from 3 to 5 March 2005, which hosted the largest concentration of geomatics experts in the organisation yet,
hailing from the USA and Europe. The CSIR hopes to forge community of practice networks in the USA, Europe and Australia to give their research a global dimension.

Terhorst comments that this initiative will also lead to the development of a critical mass of highly competent scientists through collaborative research with local and international partners. This will facilitate funding, strengthen local and global science networks and lead to a more coherent national approach to Earth Observation. The science plan also caters for the development of historically disadvantaged doctoral students attracted to this exciting concept.

More information:

www.csir.co.za 

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