With the emergence of cloud computing and big data, businesses have begun having to develop innovative solutions to handle the massive amounts of data they can generate. Three innovative examples of big data solutions include:
- Machine learning,
- Grasping big data itself, and
- Emotion recognition through software.
These three examples are astounding for the world of business; however, they’re only the tip of the iceberg in terms of how big data is helping to change the world around us.
Changing the Face of Renewable Energy
Society’s dependence on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources needs to change. Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, are becoming increasingly more achievable due to the costs falling. Regardless of the increase in their use, solar and wind energy have their limitations, which strengthens the tether on “conventional power sources” like coal and oil.
Here’s where big data comes in.
According to Laszlo Varro, Chief Economist of the International Energy Agency, by combining big data with machine learning, we could develop a better understanding of when natural resources like the sun and wind are at their prime harvest potential. This could be achieved by deploying data-collecting sensors on solar and wind factories. After collecting this data, advanced computers can lead to a better understanding of when there will be a need for power generation.
Such data could lead to:
- Wind farms having a more accurate idea of how many and how often they need to employ their turbines to meet electricity needs. This could lead to a 10-16% increase in power generation.
- A better understanding of when backup capacities will be required.
- The ability to have a better understanding of when consumer demand could be increased/decreased.
Helping to Patrol our Oceans
Even with the vast number of flights that take place every day, shipping via freight boat is still highly used. With so many ships sailing the oceans, we need a reliable way to track their movements—not only to ensure successful delivery of goods, but to also have a firm idea of where the ships are located and how many there are.
Ships are equipped with numerous sensors (just like airplanes), which facilitate a tremendous amount of data. Currently, the main usage of all of this data goes into making sure ships don’t crash into each other – a vital usage to be sure.
However, there are numerous other ways this data can be put to use. For example, maps can be made showing where industrial fishing takes place and where shipping lanes and whale migration routes overlap. Both of these can help minimize the impact ships could have.
Helping to Reforest Our Planet
Washington State University scientists are working to make big data work for the planet in terms of reforestation as well. Specifically, they’re researching how to use big data to help ensure that future generations have forests in their world. This includes helping ensure that new trees are healthy and sustainable.
Department of Horticulture professor Dorrie Main is using a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an infrastructure that will help analyze the data developed (and created) from tree breeders and researchers.
In the world of trees, there has been advances in technology that has allowed researchers better means of gene sequencing, which has led to the overflow of data that Main and other researchers are now working to analyze. They are doing so by using a community database network; as well as, other analytical tools.
Conclusion
These are just some of the ways in which big data is being harnessed to help save the planet. Along with the benefit provided to businesses, big data is changing the way the world works – one snippet of data at a time.