The demonstration featured real time data sourced from CSIRO wireless sensor networks delivered as Web services.

"Spatial data and sensor technology have a wide range of applications, particularly in the environmental field," Walker said.

"This technology will improve our scientific understanding of Australia's scarce water resources and will revolutionize the way scientists gather data.

"Wireless sensor networks act as 'macroscopes' allowing a study of environmental indicators, such as salinity, at a fine scale over a considerable area."

The technology is part of the $9 million-a-year Water Resources Observation Network (WRON) currently being built.