Study uses mobile phones to measure rainfall

Dutch researchers say they have discovered a way to use mobile phone networks to measure rainfall. ABCNews.au reports.

Aart Overeem from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute decided to pursue a lower-cost alternative to rain measurement after the depletion of traditional rain gauges worldwide in recent years made the collection of accurate data difficult.

Mr Overeem said researchers had wondered whether they could use the microwave radio links that transmit mobile phone calls to measure rainfall.

...In a study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Mr Overeem conducted tests across 12 days before comparing the phone network data with rainfall data collected the old fashioned way.

"It appeared to be already quite accurate, although more research is probably needed to get reliable rainfall maps all year round."

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emily | 3:02 PM | News, Buzz |
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