Vicarious Learning Blog

Observational Networks

Within environmental planning and forecasting the development and set-up of the optimal 'Observational Network' from available data is crucial. Typically this observational data is taken as a mix of automated readings and those taken by humans. An interesting use of observational networks occur when the general public is asked to get involved to help scientists gather seasonal and environmental data on a scale that would simply be impossible without the lay public's help. As part of this approach is also the interesting phenomenon of groups of people with a shared concern organizing themselves to collect and gather data. The power, the synergy, of such observations and the data provided is fundamental to scientific progress, but it is also often fundamental to social development and improvement. In the African Regional Workshop on Adaptation Bulletin (Vol. 2 No. 1 Tuesday, 26 September 2006) some of these concerns are emphasized as a means to "improved forecasting and greater adaptive capacity".

Posted at 04:42PM Jun 24, 2008 by Finbar Dineen in General  |  Comments[0]