Contextual Sensing: Integrating Contextual Information with Human and Technical Geo-Sensor Information for Smart...

Area of Science:

• Geospatial Science
• Smart City Technology
• Sensor Networks

Background:

• Contextual information, especially spatiotemporal data, is vital for understanding complex interactions in smart cities.
• Current smart city models often overlook the nuanced integration of human and technical sensor data with context.
• Technological advancements offer potential for richer geo-sensor information but require critical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the integration challenges of spatiotemporal contextual information with human and technical sensor data from a geospatial viewpoint.
• To explore the intentional and unintentional sensing capabilities of current technologies and their role in enriching geo-sensor data.
• To provide a geospatial perspective on the development of smart cities by examining technical and human sensing approaches.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of intentional and unintentional sensing capabilities of technologies.
• Categorization of contextual sensors into technical in situ, technical remote, and human sensors.
• Linking sensor types to dimensions of sensing: data generation, geographic phenomena, and type of sensing.

Main Results:

• Identified a significant prevalence of in situ and mobile technical sensors in smart city applications, with limited use of remote sensing.
• Highlighted the critical role of context as an interface between humans, environment, and technology in smart cities.
• Observed that increased sensor numbers and data fusion do not automatically guarantee improved quality of life for citizens.

Conclusions:

• Effective integration of spatiotemporal context with geo-sensor data is essential for advancing smart city development.
• A critical assessment of technical and human sensing approaches is necessary to ensure societal benefits.
• The geospatial perspective is crucial for understanding and optimizing the complex interplay of sensing in smart urban environments.