Global Positioning System Reference
In-Depth Information
5.3 Floods and Disasters
5.3.1 Sensor Networks and Key Asset Management
Sensor networks can monitor the position and status of key assets such as search
and rescue vehicles and people, the state of water levels and flooding (using
moving floating sensors), and the position of flood waters. These applications are
likely to increase as climate changes. There are predictions for more variable
weather that will lead to an increased requirement to manage the ensuing
problems.
5.3.2 Real-Time Maps, Imaging, and Photographs
In addition to sharing my whereabouts track with the government, who else might
I share it with? Would I be prepared to share a favorite walk or a new ramble for
the benefit of strangers who share my love of the countryside? This sort of service
is very close in concept to the sharing that is taking place in social networking
Web sites. Whereness can then extend the social Internet into the real world on the
move. Maps, photographs, and any other multimedia can have both a real-time
temporal and spatial aspect. Clearly, trust is important and nobody would want
vulnerable people who are alone being followed by potential abusers.
The concept of people building and sharing maps (with media embedded) will
be discussed in detail in Chapter 8, but the content of the Internet has only grown
by the paradigm of sharing and it is important to continue this movement but with
appropriate safeguards.
5.4 Countering Terrorists
It is likely that the threat from terrorists and those engaged in asymmetric warfare
will increase. So far most attacks have come from the use of very basic weaponry
but that situation may not last. Increasing availability and capability of advanced
wireless, sensors, and computing devices may lead to the creation of new
generations of smart booby traps, roadside bombs, and, conceivably, guided
weapons.
 
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