More than a Buzzword: Big Data in the Environmental Arena

Oral Presentation

Prepared by B. Roecker, M. Packard
ddms, inc., 1217 Bandana Boulevard North, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States


Contact Information: broecker@ddmsinc.com; 651-842-4211


ABSTRACT

Big Data has become a buzz word in many industries. This presentation will address Big Data in the context of the environmental arena. By definition, Big Data can be “big” in terms of volume, variety, velocity, variability, veracity and complexity. Big data are also “big” only relative to the tools used to manage and interact with the data. As the sophistication of data management systems increases, so too does the line where “big” data are defined. Because of advancements in sensors, storage, analytical instrumentation and internet connectivity over the past 40 years, Big Data has become an important resource in the environmental remediation industry. We will describe the characteristics of big data, how they relate to various types of environmental data, and how environmental data managers and analysts can incorporate big data considerations in their management approach to the benefit of their projects.