This paper investigates the usability of Future Internet technologies (aka “Generic Enablers of the Future Internet”) in the context of environmental applications. The paper incorporates the best aspects of the state-of-the-art in environmental informatics with geospatial solutions and scalable processing capabilities of Internet-based tools. It specifically targets the promotion of the “Environmental Observation Web” as an observation-centric paradigm for building the next generation of environmental applications. In the Environmental Observation Web, the great majority of data are considered as observations. These can be generated from sensors (hardware), numerical simulations (models), as well as by humans (human sensors). Independently from the observation provenance and application scope, data can be represented and processed in a standardised way in order to understand environmental processes and their interdependencies. The development of cross-domain applications is then leveraged by technologies such as Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, Big Data Processing and Analytics. For example, “the cloud” can satisfy the peak-performance needs of applications which may occasionally use large amounts of processing power at a fraction of the price of a dedicated server farm. The paper also addresses the need for Specific Enablers that connect mainstream Future Internet capabilities with sensor and geospatial technologies. Main categories of such Specific Enablers are described with an overall architectural approach for developing environmental applications and exemplar use cases
Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI) established during the past two decades "unlocked" heterogeneous geospatial datasets. The European Union INSPIRE Directive laid down the foundation of a pan-European SDI where thousands of public sector data providers make their data, including sensor observations, available for cross-border and cross-domain reuse. At the same time, SDIs should inevitably adopt new technology and standards to remain fit for purpose and address in the best possible way the needs of different stakeholders (government, businesses and citizens). Some of the recurring technical requirements raised by SDI stakeholders include: (i) the need for adoption of RESTful architectures; together with (ii) alternative (to GML) data encodings, such as JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and binary exchange formats; and (iii) adoption of asynchronous publish-subscribe-based messaging protocols. The newly established OGC standard SensorThings API is particularly interesting to investigate for INSPIRE, as it addresses together all three topics. In this manuscript, we provide our synthesised perspective on the necessary steps for the OGC SensorThings API standard to be considered as a solution that meets the legal obligations stemming out of the INSPIRE Directive. We share our perspective on what should be done concerning: (i) data encoding; and (ii) the use of SensorThings API as a download service.
Abstract. The new Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) foresees the provision of air quality reporting data utilizing the data specifications and services specified by the INSPIRE Directive (2007/2/EC). For this purpose, existing INSPIRE data specifications must be extended as required to support the legal requirements for air quality e-Reporting. Both the legal background for air quality reporting and INSPIRE as well as the process for extending the INSPIRE data models as required for air quality e-Reporting are described in this paper. IntroductionThe new Air Quality Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (AQD) foresees the provision of air quality reporting data utilizing the data specifications and services specified by the INSPIRE Directive (2007/2/EC). E-Reporting under the AQD is foreseen to begin with the reporting cycle starting in 2014. For this purpose, the requirements ensuing from the AQD must be analysed and the appropriate classes from the INSPIRE data specifications that can serve as base classes for AQD e-Reporting must be identified. These INSPIRE base classes must then be extended as required to fulfil all requirements ensuing from the AQD. In addition, mandatory attributes stemming from the INSPIRE data specifications must be integrated with the existing reporting requirements from the AQD.In this paper, we provide both information on the legal background pertaining to the AQD and INSPIRE, as well as detailing the process required for the extension of the existing INSPIRE based classes to the requirements of e-Reporting under the AQD. • Simplify/replace specific reporting obligations on exceedances of information and alert thresholds by a semi-automated exchange based on established near-real-time data exchange mechanism;• Update and optimize exchange of monitoring data and metadata (current exchange of information under 97/101/EC EoI) to minimize administrative burden by providing data exchange tools; these should enable semi-automated aggregation/cascading and through further Quality Control (QC) provisions and availability of metadata minimize further need for interaction between supplier and user;• Update and optimize provisions on reporting assessment information (current 2004/461/EC questionnaire) that will enable semi-automated aggregation/cascading of the assessment information regardless of its origin (monitoring, modelling), enabling spatial presentation of assessment and unambiguous links to all other information flows; • Eliminate any double reporting;• Reduce administrative burden of Member States (MS), the Commission and European Environment Agency (EEA) by automating tools for checking report consistency etc. (applies to all data-flows);• Enable faster availability of basic assessment information (provisional monitoring data) at a European scale, even in near real time; information will not be used for compliance purposes, but will enable further and cost-effective public dissemination an...
Abstract. The cost effective delivery of scientific and policy requirements is a key driver for the realization of global sustainability research, integrated assessment and supporting innovative systems. The next generation of geospatial information infrastructures is proposed as a possible solution. Still, questions such as 'what does all this mean to environmental information systems' and 'what is expected to change', have only partially been answered. In this paper, we describe the recent challenges for eEnvironment services in Europe, specify desired capabilities and derive according requirements. We identify affected stakeholder communities and depict their involvement in the overall value chain of environmental knowledge generation. Specific examples illustrate individual needs, while a derived description of the value chain indicates more general outcomes. Developmental requirements of future information systems are discussed. The presented work answers the questions above by bridging the gab between stakeholder needs, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development and higher level concepts, such as Digital Earth and Future Internet.
Abstract. In order to meet the requirements for observational biodiversity data, new sources of data must be enabled; for this purpose, new tools will be required. In order to effectively implement such tools, standardized building blocks such as the enablers defined by the FI will be very valuable. Thus, it is of utmost urgency that the requirements posed by the biodiversity sector are clearly structured and made available for implementation of environmental enablers within the FI. The ENVIROFI project has gone to great lengths so provide these requirements for various environmental domains; of specific relevant to this paper being the biodiversity domain. We hope to successfully contribute to the future of e-Environment in this manner.
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