Real Time Geospatial Data and Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes items that are connected to each other with the internet, such as objects, devices, sensors, and everyday items. An example is a smartwatch and an app, which can communicate using Bluetooth or the Internet.
The internet of things has transformed the way that data is collected, making data collected in near real time now, leading to massive data collection and “geospatial big data” analysis. The Internet of Things that we are most familiar with are internet-enabled appliances, home automation components, internet-based security systems, among others. However, the Internet of Things has been implemented in other disciplines too, including networked vehicles, intelligent traffic systems, and others.
The IoT has allowed for the real-time collection for a variety of scientific disciplines including humanities (as mentioned above), hydrologic monitoring, emergency response and disaster management, traffic flow monitoring, education, sustainability, and many more.
Note the places in this table from Rose, 2015 that shows where IoT can (or has already) started automating life.
| Setting | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Human | Devices attached or inside the human body | Devices (wearables and ingestibles) to monitor and maintain human health and wellness; disease management, increased fitness, higher productivity |
| Home | Buildings where people live | Home controllers and security systems |
| Retail Environments | Spaces where consumers engage in commerce | Stores, banks, restaurants, arenas – anywhere consumers consider and buy; self-checkout, in-store offers, inventory optimization |
| Offices | Spaces where knowledge workers work | Energy management and security in office buildings; improved productivity, including for mobile employees |
| Factories | Standardized production environments | Places with repetitive work routines, including hospitals and farms; operating efficiencies, optimizing equipment use and inventory |
| Worksites | Custom production environments | Mining, oil and gas, construction; operating efficiencies, predictive maintenance, health and safety |
| Vehicles | Systems inside moving vehicles | Vehicles including cars, trucks, ships, aircraft, and trains; condition-based maintenance, usage-based design, pre-sales analytics |
| Cities | Urban environments | Public spaces and infrastructure in urban settings; adaptive traffic control, smart meters, environmental monitoring, resource management |
| Outside | Between urban environments (and outside other settings) | Outside uses include railroad tracks, autonomous vehicles (outside urban locations), and flight navigation; real-time routing, connected navigation, shipment tracking |
References:
Lwin, K., Hashimoto, M., & Murayama, Y. (2014). Real-time geospatial data collection and visualization with smartphone. Journal of Geographic Information System, 2014.