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A spatial decision support framework for equitable sensor network distribution in the smart city

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Eman ZiedORCiD, Professor Rachel FranklinORCiD, Dr Kate Court

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

This paper introduces a proof-of-concept spatial decision support system (SDSS) that assists decision-makers to generate equitably distributed sensor networks and evaluate their placement with reference to specific population-based coverage criteria. Our approach centres equity in infrastructure distribution; we focus on the decision-making process required to achieve the best possible sensor coverage of the geographical area for selected vulnerable populations and visualise trade-offs in coverage inherent in infrastructure distribution. The development of the tool brings together expertise from quantitative geography, urban planning, data science and software engineering, and its technical development is underpinned and shaped by interviews with decision-makers and their iterative feedback. Through this, we ask: how can decision support tools help with the work of building equitable infrastructure? As well as a technical application, our approach develops a conceptual framework for evaluating sensor network purpose and distribution before actual placement. The unique combination of distribution algorithms, user interface and decision-maker input, developed by an interdisciplinary team, offers a novel approach to sensor network conceptualisation and generation. Our research contributes to the understanding of the distribution of essential infrastructure and can be repurposed for any sensor type and geographical location to promote equity in infrastructure distribution.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Zied Abozied E, Robinson C, Franklin RS, Court K, Roberts J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: The Geographical Journal

Year: 2024

Pages: Epub ahead of print

Online publication date: 05/08/2024

Acceptance date: 17/07/2024

Date deposited: 14/11/2024

ISSN (print): 0016-7398

ISSN (electronic): 1475-4959

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/geoj.12605

DOI: 10.1111/geoj.12605

Data Access Statement: The data, code and methods that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
Alan Turing Institute. Grant Number: R-NEW-001
UK Research and Innovation. Grant Number: MR/V021672/2

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