According to NewScientistTech, a grid of wireless sensors will monitor River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales, UK. Two of the thirteen sensors have been installed already, but they expect the rest of them to be installed by the end of the year.
The final network will contain three kinds of sensor node. Eleven will measure pressure from below the waterline in order to determine depth. The other two will monitor the speed of river flow – one using ultrasound underwater, and the other using webcams to track objects and ripples moving along the surface, from the riverbank.If changes are detected in flow, depth, speed, pressure and a few other variables, these nodes of the grid computer will send out signals via wi-fi or bluetooth or GPRS to either the lab, or those in the vicinity that might be affected by such a flood.
Expect to see more ubiquitous use of this technology in the future. This is a very cost-effective and efficient way to keep track of environmental changes that could affect millions of people.
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