Andy's Log


9/26/04 - Basic Environmental Background

My assignment is to find a basic background of information on the ecosystem of the Galapagos.

See Research for:

"Basic Environmental Background"
"Oceans"

10/15/04 - Monitoring Systems

My current assignment . . .

research of sensors to monitor:

- the natural ecosystem:
    -endangered species
    -biodiversity
    -migration patterns
    -soil/water health
    -plant health

- populated areas:
    -environmental impact
          -trash
          -overfishing
          -tourism
          -farming
          -air pollution
          -water pollution
    -living conditions
    -infrastructure
    -employment
    -health

In general, my task is to:

find how to monitor enviromnetal health and react to its changes
be aware of and support human needs

This is being done for the eventual goal of establishing an international wildlife preserve in the Galapagos, and to design and establish a village which has minimal environmental impact while still remaining liveable and workable.

See Reserarch for:

"General Information (Geological, Political, etc.)"
"Urban Planning and Monitoring"

10/22/04 - Monitoring Systems (Ct'd)

I emailed the Alumni Mentor, Win Burleson, and he gave me several sites to research on environmental and social sensors. I studied the environmental sensors to be placed on animals, but I'm afraid that the topic is so deep that I was only scratching the surface.

See Research for:

"Motes and Sensor Networks"

10/26/04 - Water Purification and Ecuadorian Policy / International Cooperation

I researched and wrote an article for the main site on a water purification method called the Solar Aquatics System, and also researched social issues around the international biopreserve.

See Research for:

"Governments, Tourism, and Environmental Policy"
"Water Purification - Solar Aquatics System"

10/30/04 - Managing the Biopreserve and Monitoring the Environment (esp. through motes)

I researched a new topic on managing the biopreserve, and found a site run by the Australia / New Zealand Park service which addresses the same issues I was. I found and referenced the articles, after reading their summaries. I plan to go back later and write more on them. I also need to add more articles to the list.

I also did additional research on a much wider variety of monitoring systems. Therefore, the research page for "Motes and Sensor Networks" is now the page for "Sensor Networks" to represents the new and broader specrum of information that this page holds.

Mote-lovers cannot fear of being forgotten, however. They now have their own article, which I wrote for the team website and am also posting here.

See Research for:

"Managing the Biopreserve"
"Sensor Networks"