Virtual macro site analysis using wireless sensor networks

The Internet of Things vision introduces the capability of connecting smart sensor/actuators to locally available networks in order to allow the interaction with the real world. The two visions are, thus, perfectly integrated and ideally suited to perform the task of collecting simple information from the surrounding environment. Using smart distributed sensors and implementing data fusing and mining algorithms the final user is enabled to access real time data, and, undertake appropriate actuation strategies, via Internet, anytime and everywhere worldwide. This paper describes a successful application of the above concept in a challenging environmental monitoring context, concerning the remote management of a vineyard. The application is a successful result of the 6th FW European Integrated Project GoodFood. The paper reports a real case study concerning the deployment of four pilot sites in four different vineyards located in Italy, Chianti region, and in France. The deployed systems, in one case operating for more than two years, exhibit unprecedented stand-alone and undiscontinued operation capability, with millions collected data so far , thus representing the state-of-the-art in the application of WSN technology to wine production management. The systems, far beyond being a simple technology demonstrator includes advanced agronomic prediction models capable of supporting critical management decisions in irrigation and chemical treatment management at unprecedented time/space scale. A major outcome was to establish a spin-off, Netsens Srl, which has developed a proprietary WSN solution for agriculture/environment monitoring now ready to market.