EXPO AMEDAS, an environmental data observation and display system (19 points in the Nagakute Area)

As global warming and other environmental problems worsen, it is becoming increasingly important to obtain an accurate apprehension of the status of our environment. The first step to this end is meteorological observation and other types of environmental observation.

The preparation of the EXPO site took consideration not only for preservation of the original greenery and ponds but also other environmental protection, as exemplified by the installation of permeable and natural pavement. These measures have a substantial influence on the formation of micro climates, each distinctive to a limited area (e.g., one climate on the Loop, another in the Forest Experience Zone, and yet another on the lawn). The environmental data observation and display system (EXPO AMEDAS) was designed for the purpose of detailed calculation of these micro climates and presentation of the results in simple terms.

Measurement terminal
(with a CO₂ measurement function)

The system focuses on factors influencing micro climates, such as the status on the ground surface, presence or absence of forest, and status on the water surface, and takes measurements at 19 points.

The observation data are automatically collected by means of a wireless system every ten minutes and displayed on the EXPO Eco Club website. Viewers can see the difference in micro climates created by the conditioning of the EXPO site, e.g., differences in ground surface temperature and air temperature due to differences of ground surface condition, and changes in CO₂ concentration over time inside and outside forest areas.

Observation outline: temperature, ground surface temperature, humidity, insolation, rainfall, wind direction, wind velocity, and CO₂ concentration

Measurement points: 19 in the Nagakute Area (only three for measurement of CO₂ concentration)

With the exception of the CO₂ measurement devices, all of the measurement terminals operate by photovoltaic power generation. EXPO AMEDAS is Japan's biggest-ever environmental monitoring system utilizing a wireless sensor network.

Micro climates

Our sensation of climate is greatly affected by terrain, land cover, ventilation, and surrounding buildings, as evidenced by the coolness we feel when stepping into shade.

The term “micro climate” refers to the climate resulting from the combination of these characteristics over a small area and the climate proper.