Posted: 8th July 2009

Geosensor networks shift the traditional centralized paradigm of monitoring a geographical area from the macroscale to the microscale, by using distributed sensors to measure variables of interest (such as environmental, biological and chemical variables, seismic activity and geolocated videofeeds). Whilst having the ability to provide data with unparalleled temporal and spatial resolution, geosensor networks have pushed the frontiers of traditional GIS research into the realms of computer science, introducing issues such as data fusion, geolocated queries, energy efficient data collection and data mining and interpretation. The incorporation of mobile devices into these networks allows data acquisition to be undertaken on a spatially varying sampling resolution, introducing new research avenues such as co-operative sensing and dynamic coverage. Furthermore, geosensor networks are not only constrained to passively monitor a region, through actuators, they also have the ability to influence or modify their environment.

Research in geosensor networks spans multiple fields, ranging from strategies for intelligent data acquisition to virtual reality interactions with environmental dynamics. Of particular interest are applications of geosensor networks, such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, early warning systems and wildlife tracking. This workshop seeks to address these issues, by bringing together leading experts in a two day forum to present novel research and exchange ideas relating to the state of the art and its future directions. Real world results are particularly welcomed, as are reports of interesting or challenging deployments.