Editing Telemetry (section)

==Applications==
{{more citations needed|section|date=January 2020}}

===Meteorology===
Weather balloons use telemetry to transmit meteorological data since 1920.

===Oil and gas industry===
Telemetry is used to transmit drilling mechanics and formation evaluation information uphole, in real time, as a well is drilled. These services are known as [[Measurement while drilling]] and [[Logging while drilling]]. Information acquired thousands of feet below ground, while drilling, is sent through the drilling hole to the surface sensors and the demodulation software. The pressure wave (sana) is translated into useful information after DSP and noise filters. This information is used for [[Formation evaluation]], [[Drilling]] Optimization, and [[Geosteering]].

===Motor racing===
Telemetry is a key factor in modern motor racing, allowing race engineers to interpret data collected during a test or race and use it to properly tune the car for optimum performance.  Systems used in series such as [[Formula One]] have become advanced to the point where the potential lap time of the car can be calculated, and this time is what the driver is expected to meet. Examples of measurements on a race car include accelerations ([[g-force|G&nbsp;forces]]) in three axes, temperature readings, wheel speed, and suspension displacement. In Formula One, driver input is also recorded so the team can assess driver performance and (in case of an accident) the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] can determine or rule out driver error as a possible cause.

Later developments include two-way telemetry which allows engineers to update calibrations on the car in real time (even while it is out on the track). In Formula One, two-way telemetry surfaced in the early 1990s and consisted of a message display on the dashboard which the team could update. Its development continued until May 2001, when it was first allowed on the cars. By 2002, teams were able to change engine mapping and deactivate engine sensors from the pit while the car was on the track.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} For the 2003 season, the FIA banned two-way telemetry from Formula One;<ref>{{cite web|title=FIA makes massive changes to F1; several technological enhancements banned|url=https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2093556/fia-makes-massive-changes-f1-several-technological-enhancements-banned/|date=January 14, 2003|publisher=Autoweek|access-date=December 29, 2022}}</ref> however, the technology may be used in other types of racing or on road cars.

One way telemetry system has also been applied in [[Radio-controlled car|R/C racing car]] to get information by car's sensors like: engine RPM, voltage, temperatures, throttle.

===Transportation===
In the transportation industry, telemetry provides meaningful information about a vehicle or driver's performance by collecting data from sensors within the vehicle. This is undertaken for various reasons ranging from staff compliance monitoring, insurance rating to predictive maintenance.

Telemetry is used to link [[Traffic count#Traffic counter devices|traffic counter devices]] to data recorders to measure traffic flows and vehicle lengths and weights.<ref name="nzta-2004">{{Cite book |url=https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/traffic-monitoring-state-hways/docs/traffic-monitoring-state-highways.pdf |title=Traffic Monitoring for State Highways |date=May 2004 |isbn=978-0-478-10549-0 |publication-date=November 2011 |access-date=5 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131235155/https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/traffic-monitoring-state-hways/docs/traffic-monitoring-state-highways.pdf |archive-date=31 January 2019 |url-status=live |publisher=[[NZTA]] }}</ref>

Telemetry is used by the railway industry for measuring the health of [[trackage]]. This permits optimized and focused predictive and preventative maintenance. Typically this is done with specialized trains, such as the [[New Measurement Train]] used in the United Kingdom by [[Network Rail]], which can check for track defects, such as problems with [[Track gauge|gauge]], and deformations in the rail.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/fleet-machines-vehicles/new-measurement-train-nmt/ |title=New Measurement Train (NMT)|website=Networkrail.co.uk |access-date=19 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219162702/https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/fleet-machines-vehicles/new-measurement-train-nmt/ |archive-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Japan uses similar, but quicker trains, nicknamed [[Doctor Yellow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/doctor-yellow-shinkansen|title=Doctor Yellow Shinkansen: The Iconic Test Train|date=November 6, 2020|publisher=JapanRailPass|access-date=December 29, 2022}}</ref> Such trains, besides checking the tracks, can also verify whether or not there are any problems with the [[overhead power supply]] (catenary), where it is installed. Dedicated rail inspection companies, such as [[Sperry Rail Service|Sperry Rail]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sperryrail.com/contact.php | title=Sperry Rail Service|website=Sperryrail.com}}</ref> have their own customized rail cars and rail-wheel equipped trucks, that use a variety of methods, including lasers, ultrasound, and induction (measuring resulting magnetic fields from running electricity into rails) to find any defects.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sperryrail.com/induction.php | title=Sperry Rail Service|website=Sperryrail.com}}</ref>

===Agriculture===
Most activities related to healthy crops and good yields depend on timely availability of weather and soil data. Therefore, wireless weather stations play a major role in disease prevention and precision irrigation. These stations transmit parameters necessary for decision-making to a base station: [[air temperature]] and [[relative humidity]], [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] and [[leaf wetness]] (for disease prediction models), solar radiation and wind speed (to calculate [[evapotranspiration]]), water deficit stress (WDS) leaf sensors and soil moisture (crucial to irrigation decisions).

Because local micro-climates can vary significantly, such data needs to come from within the crop. Monitoring stations usually transmit data back by terrestrial [[radio]], although occasionally [[satellite]] systems are used. Solar power is often employed to make the station independent of the power grid.

===Water management===
Telemetry is important in [[water resource management|water management]], including [[water quality]] and [[stream gauge|stream gauging]] functions. Major applications include AMR ([[automatic meter reading]]), [[groundwater]] monitoring, leak detection in distribution pipelines and equipment surveillance. Having data available in almost real time allows quick reactions to events in the field. Telemetry control allows engineers to intervene with assets such as pumps and by remotely switching pumps on or off depending on the circumstances.  Watershed telemetry is an excellent strategy of how to implement a water management system.
<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://etd.ohiolink.edu/ap/10?0::NO:10:P10_ACCESSION_NUM:ucin1183994884|title=WATERSHED SENSOR NETWORK NON-LINE-OF-SIGHT DATA TELEMETRY SYSTEM|first=DORSEY|last=PAUL|date=8 May 2018|website=Ohiolink.edu|access-date=8 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120524/https://etd.ohiolink.edu/ap/10?0::NO:10:P10_ACCESSION_NUM:ucin1183994884|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

==={{anchor|Defense, space and resource exploration systems}}Defense, space and resource exploration===
Telemetry is used in complex systems such as missiles, RPVs, [[spacecraft]], [[Oil platform|oil rig]]s, and [[chemical plant]]s since it allows the automatic monitoring, alerting, and record-keeping necessary for efficient and safe operation. Space agencies such as [[NASA]], [[ISRO]], the [[European Space Agency]] (ESA), and other agencies use telemetry and/or telecommand systems to collect data from spacecraft and satellites.

Telemetry is vital in the development of missiles, satellites and aircraft because the system might be destroyed during or after the test. Engineers need critical system parameters to analyze (and improve) the performance of the system. In the absence of telemetry, this data would often be unavailable.

====Space science====
Telemetry is used by crewed or uncrewed spacecraft for data transmission. Distances of more than 25.1 billion kilometers (May 2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/15/voyager_1_survives_with_thruster_fix/|title=Voyager 1 alive for another day with Hail Mary thruster fix |website=Theregister.com|access-date=May 20, 2025}}</ref> have been covered, e.g., by [[Voyager&nbsp;1]].

====Rocketry====
In rocketry, telemetry equipment forms an integral part of the [[rocket range]] assets used to monitor the position and health of a launch vehicle to determine range safety flight termination criteria (Range purpose is for public safety). Problems include the extreme environment (temperature, acceleration and vibration), the [[energy supply]], [[Antenna (radio)|antenna]] alignment and (at long distances, e.g., in [[spaceflight]]) signal [[time of flight|travel time]].

===={{anchor|Flight test}}Flight testing====
Today nearly every type of [[aircraft]], [[missile]]s, or [[spacecraft]] carries a wireless telemetry system as it is tested.<ref>“Foster, Leroy." "Telemetry Systems", ''[[John Wiley & Sons]]'', New York, 1965.</ref> Aeronautical mobile telemetry is used for the safety of the pilots and persons on the ground during flight tests. Telemetry from an on-board [[flight test instrumentation]] system is the primary source of real-time measurement and status information transmitted during the testing of crewed and uncrewed aircraft.<ref>”  ITU-R M.2286-0 Operational characteristics of aeronautical mobile telemetry systems”, ''[[International Telecommunication Union]]'', Geneva 2014.</ref>

===={{anchor|Enemy intelligence}}Military intelligence====
Intercepted telemetry was an important source of intelligence for the United States and UK when [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] missiles were tested; for this purpose, the United States operated a listening post in [[Iran]]. Eventually, the Russians discovered the United States intelligence-gathering network and encrypted their missile-test telemetry signals. Telemetry was also a source for the Soviets, who operated listening ships in [[Cardigan Bay]] to eavesdrop on UK missile tests performed in the area{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}.

===Energy monitoring===
In factories, buildings and houses, energy consumption of systems such as [[HVAC]] are monitored at multiple locations; related parameters (e.g., temperature) are sent via wireless telemetry to a central location. The information is collected and processed, enabling the most efficient use of energy. Such systems also facilitate [[predictive maintenance]].

===Resource distribution===
Many resources need to be distributed over wide areas. Telemetry is useful in these cases, since it allows the logistics system to channel resources where they are needed, as well as provide security for those assets; principal examples of this are dry goods, fluids, and granular bulk solids.

====Dry goods====
Dry goods, such as packaged merchandise, may be tracked and remotely monitored, tracked and inventoried by [[RFID]] sensing systems, [[barcode reader]], [[optical character recognition]] (OCR) reader, or other sensing devices—coupled to telemetry devices, to detect [[RFID tag]]s, [[barcode]] labels or other identifying markers affixed to the item, its package, or (for large items and bulk shipments) affixed to its shipping container or vehicle. This facilitates knowledge of their location, and can record their status and disposition, as when merchandise with barcode labels is scanned through a checkout reader at [[Point of sale|point-of-sale]] systems in a retail store.  Stationary or hand-held barcode [[RFID]] scanners or [[Optical reader]] with remote communications, can be used to expedite inventory tracking and counting in stores, warehouses, shipping terminals, transportation carriers and factories.<ref name="rfid_technology_ariz_univ">[http://www.u.arizona.edu/~obaca/rfid/tech.html "RFID Technology,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423232517/http://www.u.arizona.edu/~obaca/rfid/tech.html |date=2019-04-23 }} [[University of Arizona]], retrieved April 8, 2019</ref><ref name="improving_warehouse_2014_12_naval_postgrad">Burke, Eric M., Maj. U.S. Army and Ewing, Danny L., Jr., Lt., U.S. Navy, ''MBA Professional Report: [https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a621276.pdf "Improving Warehouse Inventory Management Through RFID, Barcoding And Robotics Technologies,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324005725/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a621276.pdf |date=2020-03-24 }}'' December 2014, Graduate School of Business and Public Policy, [[Naval Postgraduate School]], Monterey, CA, retrieved April 8, 2019</ref><ref name="barcoding_and_rfid_2007_jiito">White, Gareth R.T.; Georgina Gardiner; Guru Prabhakar; and Azley Abd Razak [[University of the West of England]], UK), [http://jiito.informingscience.org/articles/JIITOv2p119-132White96.pdf "A Comparison of Barcoding and RFID Technologies in Practice,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808033409/http://jiito.informingscience.org/articles/JIITOv2p119-132White96.pdf |date=2020-08-08 }} ''Journal of Information, Information Technology, and Organizations,'' Volume 2 (2007), retrieved April 8, 2019</ref>

====Fluids====
Fluids stored in tanks are a principal object of constant commercial telemetry. This typically includes monitoring of tank farms in gasoline refineries and chemical plants—and distributed or remote tanks, which must be replenished when empty (as with gas station storage tanks, home heating oil tanks, or ag-chemical tanks at farms), or emptied when full (as with production from oil wells, accumulated waste products, and newly produced fluids).<ref name="remote_tank_monitoring_2019_03_tanktransport_com">Rues, Gerald, MSEE, [http://tanktransport.com/2019/03/remote-tank-monitors-can-save-time-and-money/ "Remote Tank Monitoring Can Save Time and Money,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307175226/http://tanktransport.com/2019/03/remote-tank-monitors-can-save-time-and-money/ |date=2019-03-07 }} March, 2019, ''[http://pubhtml5.com/cgnb/twxm/ Tank Transport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307054559/http://pubhtml5.com/cgnb/twxm/ |date=2019-03-07 }},'' magazine, retrieved March 6, 2019</ref> Telemetry is used to communicate the variable measurements of flow and tank level sensors detecting fluid movements and/or volumes by [[pneumatic]], [[hydrostatic]], or differential pressure;  tank-confined [[Ultrasound|ultrasonic]], [[radar]] or [[Doppler effect]] echoes; or mechanical or magnetic sensors.<ref name="remote_tank_monitoring_2019_03_tanktransport_com" /><ref name="esi_tank_sensors">[http://www.leveldevilsensors.com/main/electronic-sensors-inc-esi-level-devil-american-made-tank-monitors-and-tank-monitoring-systems/tabk-sensor/ Tank Sensors & Probes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318111356/http://www.leveldevilsensors.com/main/electronic-sensors-inc-esi-level-devil-american-made-tank-monitors-and-tank-monitoring-systems/tabk-sensor/ |date=2019-03-18 }}, Electronic Sensors, Inc., retrieved August 8, 2018</ref><ref name="dozen_ways_2004_dec_1_sensormag_com">Henry Hopper, [https://www.sensorsmag.com/components/a-dozen-ways-to-measure-fluid-level-and-how-they-work "A Dozen Ways to Measure Fluid Level and How They Work,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330163148/https://www.sensorsmag.com/components/a-dozen-ways-to-measure-fluid-level-and-how-they-work |date=2019-03-30 }} December 1, 2018, ''Sensors Magazine,'' retrieved August 29, 2018</ref>

{{See also|level sensor}}

====Bulk solids====
Telemetry of bulk solids is common for tracking and reporting the volume status and condition of [[grain]] and [[livestock feed]] bins, powdered or granular food, powders and pellets for manufacturing, sand and gravel, and other granular bulk solids. While technology associated with fluid tank monitoring also applies, in part, to granular bulk solids, reporting of overall container weight, or other gross characteristics and conditions, are sometimes required, owing to bulk solids' more complex and variable physical characteristics.<ref name="accurately_dry_bulk">"[https://www.powderbulksolids.com/article/Accurately-Measuring-Dry-Bulk-Solids-01-04-2016 Accurately Measuring Dry Bulk Solids] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316181657/http://www.powderbulksolids.com/article/Accurately-Measuring-Dry-Bulk-Solids-01-04-2016 |date=2018-03-16 }}," January 4, 2016, ''Powder-Bulk Solids'' magazine, retrieved April 8, 2019</ref><ref>[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.560.257&rep=rep1&type=pdf "Dynamic Measurement and Simulation of Bulk Solids...,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808143406/http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.560.257&rep=rep1&type=pdf |date=2020-08-08 }}, ''Task Quarterly'' 7 No 4 (2003), 611–621, retrieved April 8, 2019</ref>

===Medicine/healthcare===
Telemetry is used for patients ([[biotelemetry]]) who are at risk of abnormal [[heart]] activity, generally in a [[coronary care unit]]. Telemetry specialists are sometimes used to [[monitoring (medicine)|monitor]] many patients within a hospital.<ref name="pmid25746509">{{cite journal |last1=Segall |first1=N|last2=Hobbs|first2=Gene|last3=Granger |first3=CB|last4=Anderson |first4=AE|last5=Bonifacio |first5=AS|last6=Taekman|first6=JM|last7=Wright |first7=MC |title=Patient load effects on response time to critical arrhythmias in cardiac telemetry: a randomized trial |journal=Critical Care Medicine |volume=43 |issue=5 |pages=1036–42 |year=2015 |pmid=25746509 |pmc=6226252 |doi=10.1097/CCM.0000000000000923 }}</ref> Such patients are outfitted with measuring, recording and transmitting devices. A data log can be useful in [[cardiology diagnostic tests and procedures|diagnosis]] of the patient's condition by [[physician|doctor]]s.  An alerting function can alert [[nurse]]s if the patient is suffering from an acute (or dangerous) condition.

Systems are available in [[medical-surgical nursing]] for monitoring to rule out a heart condition, or to monitor a response to [[antiarrhythmic medication]]s such as [[amiodarone]].

A new and emerging application for telemetry is in the field of neurophysiology, or neurotelemetry. [[Neurophysiology]] is the study of the central and peripheral nervous systems through the recording of bioelectrical activity, whether spontaneous or stimulated.  In neurotelemetry (NT) the [[electroencephalogram]] (EEG) of a patient is monitored remotely by a registered EEG technologist using advanced communication software.  The goal of neurotelemetry is to recognize a decline in a patient's condition before physical signs and symptoms are present.

Neurotelemetry is synonymous with [[Long-term video-EEG monitoring|real-time continuous video EEG monitoring]] and has application in the epilepsy monitoring unit, neuro ICU, pediatric ICU and newborn ICU.  Due to the labor-intensive nature of continuous EEG monitoring NT is typically done in the larger academic teaching hospitals using in-house programs that include R.EEG Technologists, IT support staff, neurologist and neurophysiologist and monitoring support personnel.

Modern microprocessor speeds, software algorithms and video data compression allow hospitals to centrally record and monitor continuous digital EEGs of multiple critically ill patients simultaneously.

Neurotelemetry and continuous EEG monitoring provides dynamic information about brain function that permits early detection of changes in neurologic status, which is especially useful when the clinical examination is limited.

==={{anchor|Fisheries and wildlife research and management}}Fishery and wildlife research and management===
{{main|Wildlife radio telemetry}}
[[File:A bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) worker with a transponder attached to its back, visiting an oilseed rape flower.png|thumb|A [[Bombus terrestris|bumblebee]] worker with a transponder attached to its back, visiting an [[oilseed rape]] flower]]
Telemetry is used to study wildlife,<ref>{{cite web|title=Marine Wildlife Telemetry|url=http://www.sealtag.org/index.html|publisher=Pinniped Ecology Applied Research Laboratory|access-date=30 January 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215222049/http://www.sealtag.org/index.html|archive-date=15 February 2012}}</ref> and has been useful for monitoring threatened species at the individual level.  Animals under study can be outfitted with instrumentation tags, which include sensors that measure temperature, diving depth and duration (for marine animals), speed and location (using [[GPS]] or [[Argos system|Argos]] packages).  Telemetry tags can give researchers information about animal behavior, functions, and their environment. This information is then either stored (with archival tags) or the tags can send (or transmit) their information to a satellite or handheld receiving device.<ref>{{cite web|title=What Is Telemetry?|url=http://www.sealtag.org/What%20Is%20Telemetry.html|publisher=Pinniped Ecology Applied Research Laboratory|access-date=25 July 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315003715/http://www.sealtag.org/What%20Is%20Telemetry.html|archive-date=15 March 2012}}</ref> Capturing and marking wild animals can put them at some risk, so it is important to minimize these impacts.<ref>Livezey, K.B. 1990. Toward the reduction of marking-induced abandonment of newborn ungulates. Wildlife Society Bulletin 18:193–203.</ref>

==={{anchor|Retail businesses}}Retail===
At a 2005 workshop in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], a seminar noted the introduction of telemetry equipment which would allow [[vending machine]]s to communicate sales and inventory data to a route truck or to a headquarters.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} This data could be used for a variety of purposes, such as eliminating the need for drivers to make a first trip to see which items needed to be restocked before delivering the inventory.

Retailers also use [[RFID]] tags to track inventory and prevent shoplifting. Most of these tags passively respond to RFID readers (e.g., at the cashier), but active RFID tags are available which periodically transmit location information to a base station.

===Law enforcement===
Telemetry hardware is useful for tracking persons and property in law enforcement. An [[ankle monitor|ankle collar]] worn by convicts on probation can warn authorities if a person violates the terms of his or her [[parole]], such as by straying from authorized boundaries or visiting an unauthorized location. Telemetry has also enabled [[bait car]]s, where law enforcement can rig a car with cameras and tracking equipment and leave it somewhere they expect it to be stolen. When stolen the telemetry equipment reports the location of the vehicle, enabling law enforcement to deactivate the engine and lock the doors when it is stopped by responding officers.

==={{anchor|Electrical energy providers}}Energy providers===
In some countries, telemetry is used to measure the amount of electrical energy consumed. The electricity meter communicates with a [[concentrator]], and the latter sends the information through [[GPRS]] or [[GSM]] to the energy provider's server. Telemetry is also used for the remote monitoring of substations and their equipment. For data transmission, phase line carrier systems operating on frequencies between 30 and 400&nbsp;kHz are sometimes used.

===Falconry===
In [[falconry]], "telemetry" means a small radio transmitter carried by a [[bird of prey]] that will allow the bird's owner to track it when it is out of sight.

===Testing===
Telemetry is used in testing hostile environments which are dangerous to humans. Examples include munitions storage facilities, radioactive sites, volcanoes, deep sea, and outer space.

===Communications===
Telemetry is used in many battery operated wireless systems to inform monitoring personnel when the battery power is reaching a low point and the end item needs fresh batteries.

===Mining===
In the mining industry, telemetry serves two main purposes: the measurement of key parameters from mining equipment and the monitoring of safety practices.<ref>Telemetry in the Mining Industry. IETE Journal of Research. Volume 29, Issue 8, 1983. Retrieved August 20th 2015.</ref> The information provided by the collection and analysis of key parameters allows for root-cause identification of inefficient operations, unsafe practices and incorrect equipment usage for maximizing productivity and safety.<ref name="Operator Behavior Monitoring 2015">Operational Safety and Efficiency of Mobile Equipment through Operator Behavior Monitoring. Canadian Institute of Mining. 2015.</ref> Further applications of the technology allow for sharing knowledge and best practices across the organization.<ref name="Operator Behavior Monitoring 2015"/>

===Software===
{{See also|Phoning home}}
In software, telemetry is used to gather data on the use and performance of applications and application components, e.g. how often certain features are used, measurements of start-up time and processing time, hardware, application crashes, and general usage statistics and/or user behavior. In some cases, very detailed data is reported like individual window metrics, counts of used features, and individual function timings.

This kind of telemetry can be essential to software developers to receive data from a wide variety of endpoints that can't possibly all be tested in-house, as well as getting data on the popularity of certain features and whether they should be given priority or be considered for removal. Due to concerns about [[privacy]] since software telemetry can easily be used to [[Profiling (information science)|profile]] users, telemetry in user software is often user choice, commonly presented as an opt-out feature (requiring explicit user action to disable it) or user choice during the software installation process.