HP Labs recently announced a project that they’re calling the Central Nervous System for the Earth (CeNSE), “consisting of a trillion nanoscale sensors and actuators embedded in the environment and connected via an array of networks with computing systems, software and services to exchange their information among analysis engines, storage systems and end users.”

The concept echoes thoughts that have existed in the geospatial community for years, and closely match Jack Dangermond’s concept of the “nervous system for the planet” that dates back to the 2001 ESRI User Conference. I also recall the writings of Vincent Tao from 2003 and before about the build-out of the sensor web with nanoscale sensors that will be distributed like dust.

It’s great to see these concepts turn from ideas into action. HP is suggesting a global deployment of nano-scale sensors that number in the trillions. IBM is also deploying sensor webs in their branded campaign for “Building a Smarter Planet,” with projects that are deploying local sensor webs for such things as traffic management and river water quality monitoring.

It’s clear that the there’s now good momentum for realizing the vision for the smarter management of our planet through sensors and systems. It will be fascinating to see the concept evolve and new players emerge. There are also incredible political ramifications for a more monitored planet with issues that have yet to be debated on a global scale.

Read this blog post from the Read Write Web for more details on the HP Labs initiative.

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