Challenges to using decentralized spatial algorithms in the field
Matt Duckham, Xu Zhong, Kevin Toohey · SIGSPATIAL Special · 2015
Over recent years considerable research effort has focused on developing decentralized algorithms for highly distributed computing environments, such as wireless geosensor networks. There are several putative advantages of decentralization, including scalability, energy efficiency, and operational latency. However, decentralized algorithms today are primarily found in simulations and lab-based deployments, but rarely if ever in the field in true deployments. In this paper, we review the principles of and drivers behind decentralization. We then contrast these drivers with a recent field deployment of a large wireless geosensor network for monitoring environmental conditions relevant to wildfire hazard, called RISERnet. The comparison highlights the key areas of difference, where current technology and applications of wireless geosensor networks are not yet able to take advantage of decentralization.