Alive With Information

The historical view of infrastructure inspections - - the world of observation from a mostly passive viewpoint - - have the engineer take a measurement and report back. But technology, namely low-cost sensors, energy-efficient processors, and advanced wireless networking - - is leading to the creation of a data rich and active world.

A sample of our active and networked world - -

• Italy - - Italy's largest power company, Enel, operates smart meters that monitor electricity use in real time and detect when and where power outages occur. Customers can participate in flexible pricing plans that charge lower rates for energy use during off-peak hours.


• Indian Ocean - - The Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System is a network of seismometers, sea bottom pressure sensors, and tide gauges that detects abnormal pressure variations indicative of a potential tsunami. Public officials linked to better coastal alert systems can more quickly notify communities of a treat, and avoid death tolls like that of the 2004 tsunami.


• Australia - - Scientists in Springbrook National Park have deployed a solar-powered wireless sensor network in endangered rain forests to learn more about restoring biodiversity and how microclimates change over time. The sensors monitor environmental conditions like leaf and soil moisture, to track climate change, and provide acoustic and video data that show how plants and animals recover from damage to their habits.


• South Korea - - The Korean Bridge Management System uses a network of wireless sensors to analyze hundreds of variables per bridges - - including vibration, temperature, corrosion, and sounds such as cracks and popping cables - - that could reveal structural problems. The data flows to a central computer, allowing officials to prioritize repairs and maintenance.


• Japan - - Japan's Smartway is starting to use sensors to generate data on traffic flow and road conditions and communicate wirelessly with vehicles. On Tokyo's winding Metropolitan Expressway, where 21 percent of accidents occur on just six percent of the road, the system alerts drivers: "You are approaching a blind curve with congestion ahead; brake immediately." Future technology will let the system bypass the driver -- and automatically apply the brakes.


• Napa Valley, California - - Grape growers have always had a challenge ensuring healthy crops. For centuries they relied on random soil samples to assess their fields. Now wireless sensor networks monitor environmental and soil conditions, helping growers reduce their pesticide use and determine the best time to harvest. And moisture sensors help them practice better irrigation, which saves water, yields higher-quality crops and produces better wine.


• San Francisco, California - - The days of continually circling the streets in search of an empty spot are ending. A system that will launch later this summer in San Francisco will use wireless sensors to provide real-time data on the availability of almost 20,000 parking spaces. Drivers will receive the data online, via text message, or through electronic signs on the streets.

Check out Tomorrowland in the June 2010 issue of The Atlantic.