A review of current data collection, processing, and archiving from regional seismograph arrays, regional geodetic arrays, and ocean-wide meteorological and oceanographic arrays leads to conclusions regarding the future directions of environmental arrays. New technologies facilitate growth and increasing complexity of sensor arrays and the globalized sharing of data. There are several areas that should be considered while the arrays are being built: (1) Standardization in sensor deployment. Similar types of sensors are currently deployed by a variety of organizations. It is important to develop a standardization process followed by detailed documentation of sensor installations. This documentation should as accessible as the corresponding data. (2) Adherence to robustness, security, and flexibility in data collection. Heterogeneous data telemetry methods continue to provide flexibility. It is important to not limit telemetry options. Promising developing technologies, such as wireless, should be considered immature. Redundancy in data collection and in data back up is critical. Data back up can be as simple as flash memory powered by batteries. A further step in data back up would be a many node data archival and sharing system. (3) Real-time availability of data that has been quality controlled and corrected for instrument response. Sensor calibration information is critical. As sensor arrays are constructed it is important to develop data processing methods that allow real-time correction for instrument response. Calibration information should be easily accessible. Sensor vendors can help by taking an active responsibility in the maintenance of globally available calibration databases.