Abstract: A data collection system includes a network of data nodes that are analytically directed for data collection based on data analysis. The network of data nodes are distributed over a data collection area, and collect data for the data collection area. The system includes a network manager or server that determines a data collection strategy for the data collection area based at least in part on historical data collected from the nodes. The network manager provides dynamic direction to the data nodes in accordance with the data collection strategy. The dynamic direction can cause selected one or more data nodes to dynamically change an amount of data to communicate to the network manager, such as communicating more or less data.