the present invention describes a wireless system and method for distributing sensors in large numbers that makes possible the application of a number of algorithms for the extraction of important physical quantities . more specifically , the method involves formation of an electromagnetic waveguide by the application of a polymer , or other dielectric material , on the exterior of the hull of a vessel ; insertion of sensors / radio units within the waveguide , the sensors being arranged to sample the fields of interest ; and insertion of radio transceiver base stations in the waveguide to communicate and extract data from the sensor / radio units . the wireless system of the present invention is implemented with a very high sensor count whose outputs are processed to recover exterior field quantities without the requirement of direct measurements off of the vessel &# 39 ; s structure .