The evolution of the SEMAT sensor network management system

Smart Environmental Measurements and Analysis Technologies (SEMAT) is a multidisplinary project aimed at constructing smart sensor networks that can be deployed in aquatic settings. The SEMAT system has been developed based on the Sensor Abstraction Layer (SAL). SAL is a middleware integration platform which provides an interface for managing sensors, and viewing the sensed data regardless of the technologies involved. SAL has a graphical user interface application tool for user interaction, referred as the SAL-Client. The interface provides remote-access to the functionalities of SAL. However, the existing design for the SAL-Client has many limitations which detracts from its usefulness. This paper introduces the SEMAT sensor network management system and describes how it has evolved from the SAL-Client based on practical usage in a real world deployment. The current system design for SEMAT has been moving forward to provide support for the Open Geospatial Consortium Sensor Web Enablement standards (OGC-SWE) and also the current popular data streaming/buffering technologies. The SEMAT sensor network management system automates the process for data collection, calibration, quality assurance, data management, reports and maintenance.