A system and method are provided for summarizing dynamic data from distributed sources through the use of wavelets. The method comprises receiving a first data signal at a first location, where the first data signal is dynamic, determining a first array sketch of the first data signal and constructing a first wavelet representation by manipulating the first array sketch with a B-term wavelet expansion to produce a first representation. The method further comprises receiving a second data signal at a second location, where the second data signal is dynamic and where the second location is distinct from the first location, determining a second array sketch of the second data signal, and constructing a second wavelet representation by manipulating the second array sketch with a B-term wavelet expansion to produce a second representation. In one embodiment, the method further comprises obtaining first and second array sketches from first and second locations respectively, and constructing a wavelet representation of a linear combination of the first and second array sketches. In one embodiment, the expansion is done using a Haar wavelet.