Cloud datacenters, also known as web-based or online datacenters, play a pivotal role in managing the data delivered by modern environmental data collection systems. They provide a secure, centralized platform for storing, processing, and analyzing collected data via the Internet, thereby enhancing the accessibility, scalability, and functionality of environmental monitoring programs.
Cloud datacenters typically offer a range of features for various aspects of environmental project management. These include features like real-time data visualization, remote control of data loggers, administrative rights, alarm notifications, data export options, and public data sharing, amongst others.
Display of Measurement Data
The ability to visually display measurement data in an easily digestible format is one of the key features of cloud datacenters. Platforms often include user-friendly dashboards that allow users to view current readings and analyze data trends over time through graphs, charts, and maps. The graphical representation of data helps in quickly identifying patterns, anomalies, and changes in environmental conditions, aiding in informed decision-making.
Remote Data Logger Controls
In many cases, cloud datacenters can allow remote access to data loggers and sensors to change settings, update firmware, and assist with troubleshooting without having to visit the monitoring site. Some systems provide only one-way communication, allowing data loggers to send data to the cloud, but systems with two-way communication enable commands to be sent back to the data loggers as well.
Security & Administrative Rights
Cloud datacenters typically utilize password protection, encryption, firewalls, data backup, and other security measures to safeguard project data and ensure reliability. Role-based access control (RBAC) is commonly implemented to grant access rights to different users.
For example, a user with collaborator-level access might only be able to log in to view and download data sets, while a user with full administrator-level rights can access advanced features like setting alarms, adding other users, and remotely changing device settings.
Alarms and Alerts
When measured values exceed critical thresholds or when systems experience technical issues, project personnel must be notified to take corrective action. Cloud datacenters offer configurable notifications in such cases, often referred to as alarms or alerts. These are most commonly delivered in the form of email, SMS (text message), or push notifications on mobile devices.
Alarms and alerts may be based on simple high/low configurations that are immediately triggered by an exceedance, or using more complex logic such as triggering based on multiple parameters or an exceedance lasting over a defined period of time.
A pole-mount environmental monitoring station transfers data to the cloud which is then visible on both a computer and mobile phone.
Data Download, Export, and Sharing
Data handling is a fundamental aspect of cloud datacenters. Whether related to scientific research, real-time alerts, or anything in between, access to various datasets is a necessity in nearly any application.
The simplest form of data management is downloading of specified datasets. Datacenters typically allow for quick selection of project parameters and time periods such as day, week, month, or a custom date range to be downloaded in a standardized format.
CSV (comma-separated values) is a typical format option for download because it allows data to be opened in external spreadsheet programs like Excel for manipulation and post-processing, but other formats like XML (Extensible Markup Language) and even direct output of finished reports in PDF format are also common.
In cases where it is desirable to export data to other databases, private servers, research platforms or regulatory systems, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a commonly supported method. FTP works by establishing a connection between a client and a server, allowing the transfer of files over the Internet. Commands for executing FTP transfers may be issued on an individual basis or on a schedule for automated data sharing.
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are another modern method to automate data sharing from cloud datacenters. APIs allow different software systems to communicate and exchange data seamlessly through a defined set of rules and protocols. By using APIs, data from cloud datacenters can be automatically and securely integrated into other systems and applications in real-time.
Public Data Sharing (Public Portal)
Some monitoring projects call for the dissemination of data to the general public. APIs can be leveraged in such cases to publish data to public websites, or cloud datacenters may allow for configuration of a publicly-accessible version of the datacenter, sometimes referred to as a Public Portal. A Public Portal will typically allow configuration options such as display of a limited set of parameters and filtering av data to remove outliers or erroneous readings.
Conclusion
Cloud datacenters are an integral part of many environmental monitoring programs. They provide a robust infrastructure for data storage, processing, and analysis, while enabling remote control of data loggers and facilitating real-time alerts. In addition to the noted features, they are also a good location for storing project notes, media, calibration records, and other relevant project information for documentation purposes.
The continuous access provided by cloud datacenters allows project managers to maintain oversight and efficiently take corrective measures when necessary.