The vision of researchers to create smart environments through the deployment of thousands of sensors, each with a short range wireless communications channel and capable of detecting ambient conditions such as temperature, movement, sound, light, or the presence of certain objects is becoming a reality. With the emergence of high-speed networks and with their increased computational capabilities, Distributed Sensor Networks (DSN) have a wide range of real-time applications in aerospace, automation, defense, medical imaging, robotics, and weather prediction. Over the past several years, scientists, engineers, and researchers in a multitude of disciplines have been clamoring for more detailed information without much success. Until now, in fact, this evolving technology was so new and proprietary that information has been available only in scattered articles or basic books. Distributed Sensor Networks is a complete, self-contained book that introduces background theory and applications of this revolutionary new technology. It contains essential background on wireless networks, signal processing, and self-organizing systems. This volume encompasses a number of recurring themes like multidimensional data structures, reasoning with uncertainty, system dependability, and the use of metaheuristics.With over 500 illustrations and over 1,000 pages of in depth information, Distributed Sensor Networks is both an excellent introduction to the field and a complete reference source. With contributions from leading experts, virtually every major topic on "Smart Dust" is examined. This volume promises to become the definitive guide to understanding this far-reaching technology for years to come, opening frontiers in research and applications.