The Oxford Flood Network is a
citizen science project to keep tabs on flooding in local waterways.
It’s an example of how the Internet of Things can enable a community to
be more connected to its environment (Which is especially relevant in
this area after the destructive season of flooding that has plagued much of the UK since the end of 2013).
Ben Ward, founder of UK startup Love Hz,
is the brains behind the project. His company specializes in wireless
sensor networks, and is leading development of the low-cost, open-source
equipment and software that will monitor water levels in the Oxford floodplain.
The
idea is to design sensors that are cheap and easy for citizens to build
and install; the data will be published openly so anyone can use it to
improve emergency alerts and gain a better understanding of the
ecosystem. All of this comes on the heels of some of the worst flooding
the UK has seen in years with two severe warnings still in place.
Each
sensor is designed to live under a bridge or overhang above the water.
An ultrasonic rangefinder sends out “pings” -- like a bat’s echolocation
-- to determine the water level at five-minute intervals. The latest
version runs on a small battery and includes a temperature sensor that
helps account for the speed of sound varying with air temperature, which
could otherwise throw off readings by several centimeters.
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