Moving Sensor Data onto the Internet

May 1, 2003 | Source: Intelligent Systems

A new XML encoding scheme may make it possible for any Web user to remotely discover, access, and use real-time data obtained directly from Web-resident sensors, instruments, and imaging devices, such as flood gauges, stress gauges on bridges, mobile heart monitors, Web cams, and satellite-borne earth imaging devices.

Since the scheme uses XML-based metadata, the sensor data can searched directly. “For example, searching for particular kinds of sensors and data in a particular geographic region, with data collected within a particular time window.

“This has significance for science, environmental monitoring, transportation management, public safety, disaster management, utilities operations, industrial controls, facilities management, and many other activities.”