Autonomous monitoring of critical infrastructures

Availability of low-cost imaging devices for embedded applications has enabled wireless multimedia sensor networks that can process and transmit image and video data in addition to scalar data. Such networks can be effectively employed to autonomously monitor: (i) the surface conditions and structural health of bridges and transport infrastructures at various geographical locations; (ii) the operational and environmental conditions of water wells and other life-critical resources in isolated areas. This paper describes an autonomous monitoring system. The paper focus is on critical transport infrastructure and natural resources in remote locations. The system identifies and reports the onset of anomalous conditions enabling infrastructure managers, government and community organizations to reduce service disruption, reduce risks and potentially save lives. This is beneficial to infrastructure owners, users and the local community. Initial system trials on infrastructure monitoring are presented, with further discussion of natural resources monitoring and disaster response in developing countries around the world. These provide a case-study for wider stakeholder involvement from government and public sector organizations, and NGOs.