1Earth Science Technology Office

The Earth Science (ES) Vision:The Earth Science (ES) Vision:An intelligent Web of SensorsAn intelligent Web of Sensors

IGARSS 2002 Paper 02_06_08:20IGARSS 2002 Paper 02_06_08:20

Eduardo Torres-Martinez – ES Technology OfficeGran Paules – NASA HQ ES Enterprise

Mark Schoeberl – Goddard Space Fight Center Michael W. Kalb – Global Science and Technology Inc.

http://esto.gsfc.nasa.gov

EARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISEEARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISE

2Earth Science Technology Office

Sensorwebs for Earth ScienceSensorwebs for Earth Science

A sensorweb is a virtual organization of multiple sensors combined into an intelligent ‘macro instrument’ such that

information collected by any one sensor can be used by other sensors in the web, as necessary to accomplish a coordinated

observing task.

Real-timeCollaborative

Behaviors

Sensor Platforms

On-boardProcessing

“Network”Communications

CommonInterface

Languages

3Earth Science Technology Office

Sensorwebs are the Observing ComponentSensorwebs are the Observing Componentof an End-to-end Architectureof an End-to-end Architecture

Surface

Airborne

Near-Space

LEO/MEO Commercial Satellites and Manned Spacecraft

Far-Space

Ln/Geo/HEO TDRSS & CommercialSatellites

Te

mp

ora

ryP

erm

an

en

t

Forecasts & Predictions

Aircraft/UAVsBalloonsSondes

User Community

4Earth Science Technology Office

ES Development of the Sensorweb ConceptES Development of the Sensorweb Concept

Precursor applications:

• Landsat-7 and EO-1 are formation-flying platforms that perform coordinated research and applications observations.

• The Aqua (05/02), Aura (01/04), Parasol (04/04), Cloudsat (04/04), and Calipso (04/04) platforms will become a formation-flying “train” that performs correlative research measurements.

5Earth Science Technology Office

Far-term Sensorweb ApplicationsFar-term Sensorweb Applications

ES Vision concepts include sensorwebs as enabling elements for systems that:

• Automatically implement optimized observation strategies for weather and climate predictive systems such that the useful range of forecasts would be extended.

• Automatically optimize the allocation of diverse assets for observations needed to predict; detect; and monitor the development certain natural hazards such that we can better mitigate the effects of such hazards.

6Earth Science Technology Office

By introducing a feedback path between a forecast model and a sensorweb-based observing system, future observations could

be tailored to the specific data acquisition needs identified by the forecast model.

This approach applies the flexibility of the sensorweb to enable observing strategies that produce special data sets when and where it

makes sense to have the highest impact on the forecast model run.

Advanced Weather Predictive SystemAdvanced Weather Predictive System

ImprovedForecasts

TailoredObservations

OptimumizedModel Runs

7Earth Science Technology Office

Weather Predictive System ‘Control Loop’Weather Predictive System ‘Control Loop’

• Meteorological Context• Operational Directives

• Focused Observations• Processed Information• Event Guidance

M/DA System

• Data Analysis & Assimilation• Numerical Integration• Model Performance Assesment

SensorWeb

• Terrestial-based Network• Space-based Network

8Earth Science Technology Office

Advanced Hazard Management SystemAdvanced Hazard Management System

Sensorweb-enabled observations linked with predictive models would provide reliable hazard warnings and monitor events to provide real-

time data sets needed to drive decision-support systems.

This approach applies the flexibility of the sensorweb to enable observing strategies that produce special data sets when and where it makes sense to

guide actions—such as evacuations or deployment of relief efforts—that mitigate losses.

ImprovedHazard Response

ReliableWarnings

Loss / DamageForecasts

Real-timeMonitoring

9Earth Science Technology Office

Hazard Management System ‘Control Loop’Hazard Management System ‘Control Loop’

• Observation Strategy• Operational Directives

• Focused Observations• Processed Information• Event Guidance

SensorWeb

• Terrestial-based Network• Space-based Network

Hazard Mon/Mit System

• Data Fusion and Analysis• Hazard Prediction /Assessment• Scenario Development

10Earth Science Technology Office

Technical Challenges of Sensorweb DevelopmentTechnical Challenges of Sensorweb Development

Implementation will require research and development of technologies such as:

• Smart software ‘agents’, data fusion algorithms, and other software capabilities needed for automatic decision-making.

• Interface languages, operational policies, and protocols that enable transparent communications across systems-of-systems.

• Scalability that supports incremental addition and retirement of assets while providing commensurate performance.

• Visualizations that provide human operators with a consistent picture across all layers and components of the architecture.

11Earth Science Technology Office

Programmatic Challenges of Sensorweb DeploymentProgrammatic Challenges of Sensorweb Deployment

Deployment will require new ways of thinking and doing business for both NASA and the international ES community:

• Understanding of how to apply the concept for maximum benefit to ES constituents must develop.

• New business models for mission planning, selection, and procurement must be adopted.

• Collaboration from partners and commitment to a long-term strategy will be needed to design sensorweb-capabilities across mission sets.

12Earth Science Technology Office

The Earth Science (ES) Vision:The Earth Science (ES) Vision:An intelligent Web of SensorsAn intelligent Web of Sensors

IGARSS Paper 02_06_08:20IGARSS Paper 02_06_08:20

Eduardo Torres-Martinez – ES Technology OfficeGran Paules – NASA HQ ES Enterprise

Mark Schoeberl – Goddard Space Fight Center Michael W. Kalb – Global Science and Technology Inc.

http://esto.gsfc.nasa.gov

EARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISEEARTH SCIENCE ENTERPRISE