In August, Google announced that they are going to add functionality for Android phones to connect to a network dedicated to detecting earthquakes. Smartphones have accelerometers in them, so if the phone detects something that could be an earthquake, it sends the relevant data to the server. With enough data, the earthquake can be accurately detected and an alert can be sent out to devices in potentially affected areas. For areas further from the epicenter of the earthquake, they can receive an early warning because information travels faster than the earthquake.
The android phones will be adding to an already existing network of 700 seismometers that already sends warnings for the west coast of the United States. The goal of the project is to create a larger and more accurate warning system using existing technology, since it’s very difficult to set up and maintain seismometers. Making this system work well is an example of an efficient analysis of a network.
I think this is interesting because it’s useful and can save lives or prevent injuries. As mentioned in the Verge article linked below, if the system becomes accurate enough, it will be useful for more than just alerting other smartphones. Other devices and systems such as elevators, gas valves, hospitals and fire stations will be able to use an early warning to shut down affected procedures before the earthquake hits.
I also think it’s an interesting way to use the plethora of smart devices that are always connected to the internet, and demonstrates the benefits of an easily accessible global information network.
https://blog.google/products/android/earthquake-detection-and-alerts/