Have you ever wondered what happens in the Rainforest when no one is looking?

To help answer questions like this the Departments of Computing Science and Earth and Atmospheric Science of the University of Alberta and Olsonet Communications have been working together to create EcoNet, a wireless sensor network which allows data collection of environmental factors virtually anywhere and also allows its monitoring from any point where internet is available. Needless to say, having the data continuously monitored in a cost-effective manner increases substantially the chances of uncovering anomalies early enough to investigate them promptly and thoroughly. This is all the more important in an environment that is changing at an ever-increasing pace.

The framework of wireless sensor networks, like EcoNet's, can be extended for use in other closely related domains; for example monitoring disposal of hazardous material, monitoring ice cap movements in the Arctic or using imagery data to monitor hard to witness phenomena. The possibilities for new research in Computing Science, Engineering and Observation Sciences and findings are virtually unlimited.

EcoNet's demonstration prototype is currently deployed at the display-house in the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. As of now, six nodes are continuously monitoring temperature, humidity and luminosity. The interface (still a work in progress) allows one to have an overall "snapshot" view of the environment, investigate more closely any node and the observations it made as well as download observed data for offline processing.