In Fiberspace, we used a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
unit to convert a 50-km dark fiber in San Jose,
California into 50,000 dynamic strain sensors.
By analyzing seismic waves captured along the fiber, we can detect traffic intensity, construction operation, and other urban activities.
Our findings reveal that higher seismic power is exhibited in areas with dense populations, popular locations, and frequent visits, while lower seismic power correlates with high-income residential areas.
* Every dot represents a Census Block Group
With millions of kilometers of fiber cables already in place worldwide, Fiberspace indicates a novel way of revealing both dynamic and persistent urban features through subtle seismic signals!