Big data can help LCOs manage, maintain and optimize irrigation systems to avoid water waste. We asked ETwater what it is and how landscapers can use it in this month's #landscapechat.
@CoronaTools:
@lawnlandscape let's kick off today's #landscapechat and talk about Big Data w/ @ETWater!
@lawnlandscape:
@CoronaTools @ETWater you can start by helping us to understand is Big Data and why it matters to the green industry?
@ETwater:
Put simply...Big Data is Insight for landscapers and their customers. It can help manage, maintain, and optimize irrigation systems, among other things. To add...we have been studying the earth and its biological and geological systems for hundreds of years and with Big Data sources, systems, and capabilities we can harness that information for landscape and sustainability needs.
@H2oTrends:
#landscapechat great point @etwater sometimes we forget how valuable the data is for the customer. It will be around for a long time.
@ETwater:
Yes, with large amounts of data you also get to see patterns, and to make predictions.
@lawnlandscape:
@ETWater how does Big Data relate to #SmartIrrigation?
@ETwater:
Well, as an example...in combination with a smart controller, you can monitor, manage, and optimize what is happening. An ET or Evapotranspiration calculation is one of many examples of how we leverage big data sources. We can take variable inputs to our ET algorithm, and calculate optimizations at a zone level with some of our sources. An example of those sources is historical weather data, soil type and characteristics data, plant data, etc. We typically know geological shelf, soil composition, and native or non-native plant characteristics all with these sources. Data Mining is a part of the process but it is also about analytics, and cross correlation of facts and factors
@growingnorth:
@ETWater Do these systems also run in greenhouses?
@ETwater:
Yes, they can be used in greenhouses...in fact, some of those conditions and characteristics become easier to adjust for. Let's go back a step. Big Data and the collection of data can also provide better access, monitoring, and control. This is key for managing remote sites, or gathering information about what is happening, and helps with large landscapes. Landscapers managing hundreds of locations love what we can do with analysis, additional data, and on site monitoring. You really want the #smartest of smart irrigation systems to help get the power of the big data sources.
@HydroPoint:
Agreed! RT @ETwater: You really want the #smartest of smart irrigation systems to help get the power of the big data sources.
@lawnlandscape:
@ETWater How does Big Data provide insight and action for landscaping?
@ETwater:
We can get typical water usage, runoff, and evapo rates as an example...and we know an awful lot about microclimates. More than that we know about plant behavior under x and z series of conditions...as an example, how a non-native plant will behave under certain conditions. Your typical irrigation system cannot give you zone specific ET, whereas with big data we can get that granular. It's also a great resource for planning and speculation. e.g. knowing how x and y change would affect water usage, etc.
@growingnorth:
@ETWater Is Big Data relevant to all sizes/loactions of landscapes, or only large ones?
@ETwater:
It is relevant for all sizes. Information is valuable no matter the size...in fact we use it to get more granular, not less. Predictive analytics and insight is valuable at any size location. It's like a 21st century toolbox for the landscaper.
@MiamiUCU:
#GoSmart "@ETwater: Your typical irrigation system cannot give you zone specific ET, whereas w/ big data we can get that.”
@lawnlandscape:
@ETWater How reliable is wireless connectivity for managing irrigation water controllers?
@ETwater:
Wireless connectivity is an essential piece, but the design of the system that leverages the data is even more important. We use 3G and 4G wireless devices, e.g. same as in phones, to help ensure the best options.
@growingnorth:
@ETwater How would me, as a personal gardener/foodscaper apply Big Data?
@ETwater:
As a personal gardener we can tell you things about weather patterns, soil composition, and characteristics and plant factors. Specific plant types all consume a precise and varying amount of water as 'fuel' and our big data sourced ET calculations can help.
@CoronaTools:
@growingnorth @ETwater are there applications where Big Data is best suited? Larger landscapes? Farms?
@ETwater:
Big data has been used in Agriculture and farming for years...we help bring it to the site level...and make it a better tool for individuals. Today, primarily property managers, landscapers, architects, and service personnel.
@H2oTrends:
landscapers able to determine water use of customers and make changes to programing w/o leaving office - very sustainable.
@ETwater:
Yes, and the data helps optimize the amount of water you use. We typically get north of 50% annual water savings.
@growingnorth:
@ETwater Do you have a photo or diagram of a system?
@ETwater:
@lawnlandscape:
@ETWater what is the Internet of Things (IoT) all about?
@ETwater:
IoT is about the 'delivery vehicle' for leveraging big data...irrigation controllers are great when built as IoTs. A typical irrigation controller is a 'smart clock'...an IoT type of controller is an internet connected appliance. It can collect as much information about what is happening on a landscape as it can take from the cloud and adjust. The IoT era will be a significant renaissance for the landscape and irrigation marketplace.
@lawnlandscape:
@ETWater How will the Internet of Things (IoT) affect landscape design and new equipment in the future?
@ETwater:
Well it helps a great deal with planning today...as an example you can go to http://etwater.com/plan and see how we use data and how we can use an IoT based irrigation controller to manage your irrigation. As an example, our controllers (IoT) devices...leverage in upwards of 60+ data attributes to help manage an irrigation system. In the future, we will be able to do even more, and at an even more granular level...Insight is power! Today we predict weather events, and tomorrow we should be able to tell you how your neighbors are growing the best roses ;-)
@CoronaTools:
Awesome list of @ETWater case studies using Big Data here! http://t.co/FuPp3dSNVS
@ETwater who typically uses Big Data in these applications? Most govt or public? Landscape contractors?
@ETwater:
Most users include commercial property managers, architects, designers, large HOAs and municipal parks and schools.
@growingnorth:
@ETwater Ever think there will be a time that you have Too much data?
@ETwater:
Do you think you could ever convince the human race that we have too much data ? ;-) I think its in our nature to collect it. In the future these will be 'learning systems'...it's the early days. Pulling the insight, understanding it, and applying it are everything! That's the hard part.
@growingnorth:
@ETwater A thought on data - if you don't have a way to use it, do you really need to collect it?
@ETWater:
@growingnorth yes, because you never know what and when data is going to be valuable. Of course it depends on what you are trying to do, and when but good data and analytics grows in value. We use a Royal Botanical Society Data Source today that is an example of this. The people collecting the data don't always know how it was going to be used, but we can tell you about typical plant growing cycles and visual traits etc. UV spectrum and infrared data gets really interesting too lol
@CoronaTools:
Thank you Kate @Lawn Landscape and Lee at @ETWater for hosting this great topic with us #landscapechat.
@ETwater:
Thank you for having us! Let us know if any one has follow up questions or wants to continue the conversation!
@CoronaTools:
A special thanks to all of participants who joined us today and have a great week
@growingnorth
Enjoyable chat, thank you ! :) @ETWater @CoronaTools @LawnLandscape