ICT-based Adaptation to Climate Change in Cities: Case Studies - Drawing inspiration from global cases
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ICT-based Adaptation to Climate
Change in Cities: Case Studies
Drawing inspiration from global cases
Implemented by: In cooperation with:
INTERNATIONAL
CLIMATE INITIATIVE (IKI)
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
1 SOCIAL MEDIA 7
1.1 SOCIAL MEDIA-BASED FLOOD-MAPPING: PETABENCANA 8
1.2 WEATHER ALERTS AND REPORTS USING WHATSAPP: WEATHER CHASERS MALAWI 10
1.3 GOOGLE DRIVE FOR DISASTER RESPONSE: CHENNAI FLOODS 12
2 SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE (SMS) 15
2.1 DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT DURING PAKISTAN FLOODS: FRONTLINESMS 16
2.2. SMS-BASED AUTOMATED DATA MANAGEMENT: BUS TRACKER BY SMS 18
3 SENSOR-DRIVEN TOOLS 21
3.1. IOTREES IN GUADALAJARA 22
3.2. DIY-SENSING OF RADIATION AFTER FUKUSHIMA: SAFECAST 24
3.3. DIY-SENSOR TO MEASURE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA: SENSEBOX 26
3.4. PROPRIETARY SENSOR TO MEASURE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA: BREEZE 28
WEB APPS 31
4.1 CREATING A MESH NETWORK USING SMARTPHONES: FIRECHAT IN MARIKINA 32
4.2 USER-GENERATED REPORTS ON URBAN ISSUES: FIXMYSTREET 34
4.3 MEASURING SAFETY IN URBAN SPACES: SAFETIPIN 36
4.4 TRACKING TRAFFIC PATTERNS USING SMARTPHONES: MODALYZER 38
4.5 MEASURING ROAD QUALITY AND TRAFFIC DATA: CYFACE 40
4.6 SENSING NOISE USING SMARTPHONES: NOISETUBE 42
5 MAPPING 45
5.1 CRISIS MAPPING - HUMANITARIAN OPENSTREETMAP TEAM (HOT) 46
5.2 OPENDRI: OPEN CITIES 48
5.3 OPENSTREETMAP 50
6 CONCLUSION & RECOMANDATION 53
SOURCES 60
IMPRESSUM 61
INTRODUCTION | 1
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
In the past decades cities have gone through as radiation and fine dust particles. Twitter users
radical changes, from being the motors of economic report and geotag urban infrastructure destroyed
growth, to becoming the home of 55% of the world’s by flooding. Weather data and alerts are reported
population 1 . In this light, city planning has gained using WhatsApp to enable better forecasts, and This compilation of case studies aims to provide of data ownership, interoperability, transparency
significant importance, as the effective and efficient experiences of urban citizens are translated into guidance and inspiration to urban practitioners and privacy. By contrast, the majority of the
allocation of resources lies at the intersection of ‘safety data’, leading to new ways of assessing the eager to integrate ICT-based approaches to climate presented solutions are free to download, use and
the global challenge that is climate change. The quality of urban environments for its inhabitants. change in their work. Those presented examples run on current Android, iOS smartphones and/or
common characteristic of urban agglomerations, Adapting these technologies for climate-related that are not directly applicable to managing the computers.
a high state of population density, means that well purposes is proving increasingly popular and leads consequences of climate change, have been
planned interventions can benefit a comparatively to the necessity of considering their value and included due to their potential in this sector.
large number of individuals. Simultaneously, this significance for urban practitioners.
characteristic makes cities particularly vulnerable to The document has a strong focus on open formats
extreme weather events and other repercussions of Simultaneously, numerous concepts developed and approaches (Open Data , Open Hardware ,
climate change. Meanwhile, the worldwide advance in the larger space of ICT-based tools related Free and Open-Source Software , collaborative
of digital technologies have enabled a paradigm to climate adaptation follow similar goals, mapping and crowd-sensing) comprise the
shift in urban planning processes from technocratic leading to a confusing oversupply. Enthusiastic majority of this study. The ability to share, modify,
approaches to citizen-centred solutions. Drivers expectations from the side of creators are not use and re-distribute content lies at the heart of
in this development have been technologies such met, when confronted with low user numbers; constructing useful systems that enable citizens,
as social media, smartphone applications, low- new digital applications are created, where robust researchers, governments, and urban practitioners
cost environmental sensing devices, collaborative solutions already exist; the sole focus on digital to collaborate towards a more climate resilient
mapping techniques and concepts integrating approaches increases energy usage and leads future with the use of ICTs. Commercial options
short message service (SMS) technology. Bridging to higher emission. Hence, choosing or adapting are driven by an economically motivated smart-city
the gap between citizens, urban practitioners, the appropriate tools that are most appropriate design. That approach leads to challenges in terms
researchers and governments, these platforms is key to a successful ICT-based adaptation to
incubate potential solutions for the urban climate change in cities as part of integrated urban
challenges of today and tomorrow. The informed governance.
and coordinated deployment of information and
communication technologies (ICT) can significantly
contribute to the adaptation to climate change of
urban centres.
1 SOCIAL MEDIA
Crisis-mapping approaches increase the speed
of damage assessment and critical points in the 2 SMS
technical infrastructure, such as water drainage
and the built environment. Environmental 3 SENSOR DRIVEN
sensors in public spaces, along streets or on the
windowsills of private residences highlight areas 4 WEB APPS
particularly exposed to pollutants and toxins, such
5 MAPPING
6 CONCLUSION
2 | INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION | 3
INTRODUCTION
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
API Application Programming Interface
ACCCRN Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network
CTA Chicago Transport Agency
DCCMS Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services
DIY Do-It-Yourself
FMS FIxMyStreet
FOSS Free and Open Source Software
GPS Global Positioning System
HOT Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team
ICT Information and Communication Technology
ITU International Telecommunication Union
LAN Local Area Network
LED Light Emitting Diode
LoRa Long Range Network
MCU Micro Controller Unit
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation
OSM OpenStreetMap
REM Risk Evaluation Matrix
SDK Software Development Kit
SPO Strengthening Participation Organisation
URL Uniform Resource Allocator
UV Ultra Violet
GPS Global Positioning System
4 | INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION | 5
01
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media are digital communication tools preferences are analysed by algorithms, which show
through which users create online communities to the individual ads for products and services that they
share information, thoughts, personal messages, are likely to consume. In other words, users ‘pay’ the
and other content. They are popular and widely platform provider with personal data6 .
spread2 : In the first quarter of 2019, Facebook
counted more than 2.3 Billion monthly active users Low operational cost and wide proliferation are
, WhatsApp 1.5 Billion3 and Twitter 350 Million in the biggest advantage of using social media to
the same time frame4. According to a study by the communicate information. Whereas government
Pew Research Center, emerging and developing and third-party apps face the challenge of attracting
countries reveal significant growth in smartphone the attention and willingness of their prospective
ownership and social media use over the past 5 users, the large number of existing active users
“
years5 . overcomes one of the major challenges in promoting
a widespread use of the approach.
Due to their extensive use, it is
indispensable for urban practitioners With regard to climate adaptation in urban
contexts, social media has shown great potential
to consider digital solutions that as a means of communication during and after
operate through social media.” natural catastrophes, tracking developments in
real-time, and organising disaster-relief activities.
Due to their extensive use, it is indispensable for However, the path to integrate social media
urban practitioners to consider digital solutions that channels in governmental planning structure is not
operate through social media. straightforward. Hurdles begin at the interoperability
of the social media with the existing government IT-
Most social media applications allow their users Structure, questions on data privacy and ownership,
to share text, images, GPS data as well as audio as well as challenges within the legal framework.
and video recordings in peer to peer or group Nonetheless, the case studies below showcase
conversations. “Hashtags” facilitate structuring specific contexts, in which social media are a useful
of user-generated content in the case of Twitter. and efficient tool to mitigate risks.
Rating and voting systems influence the visibility
of the (user-generated) content on the platforms.
Algorithms based on personal preferences,
behaviour and platform dynamics generate a
personal feed of information for each user. Social
media platforms are typically free of user fees,
1.1 Social media-based flood-mapping:
because their business model is based on user-
PetaBencana
targeted advertisement. Here, behaviours and user
1.2 Weather alerts and reports using WhatsApp:
Weather Chasers Malawi
1.3 Google Drive for disaster response: Chennai
Floods
6 | SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA | 7
1.1
Interested in other
SOURCES digitalsolutions in case
SOCIAL MEDIA- • PetaBencana
of floding?
BASED FLOOD-MAPPING:
• Cognicity Check out chapter 1.2
• mapbox
PETABENCANA
“
• OpenStreetMap A WhatsApp group
was created in the
MORE INFORMATION aftermath to send
out weather information
• Video explaining CogniCity and to request actual
observations from
• Video explaining how to make a report
INTRODUCTION TECHNICAL INFORMATION members in order to
verify forecasts and
PetaBencana (earlier: PetaJakarta) is a free web- On the user side, a smartphone capable of running ultimately improve their
based platform that produces city-scale, real time Twitter, a web browser or Telegram suffices to reliability.”
visualisations of water levels during flood events. participate. On the city side, a back-end based
The maps are created using crowd-sourced on CogniCity, a free and open source software
developed to crowdsource and visualize urban data,
“
integrates multiple data sources. The back-end is
Petabencana enables swift and informed a part of a software. It is the most remote from the
decision making by citizens and user and often lies on the server that processes
government in times of crisis” data.
social media reporting and government agency
data. PetaBencana.id thus enables residents,
humanitarian agencies and government actors to
make more informed decisions in times of crisis.
DATA INTEGRATION
The PetaBencana platform validates and integrates on to a database module using a reports module,
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION and government agencies
different data sources into a Risk Evaluation Matrix and placed on an OpenStreetMap-based map using
(REM), which is integrated into the map view. The mapbox, an open source software that allows the
The platform uses Twitter during emergency matrix consists of a reports module, a database creation and customization of maps and layers.
events to gather situational updates: from the module, a server module and a machine interface. Using this map, administrations and public servants
street level. can evaluate the risks and make evidence-based
Citizens can provide rainfall data in centimetres via:
decisions more quickly.The resulting risk is then
1. An algorithm continuously scans Twitter for • Twitter (using the #banjir hashtag) evaluated by operators on the city side.
the keywords “flood” and “banjir” (Indonesian
for flood) • Telegram (via a chatbot)
2. Tweets containing these words are • PetaBencana.id (direct input) The risk and map data are publishedmade available
subsequently recorded as “unconfirmed to an open API and the following actors and
Several alert apps (Qlue Smart City App, Detik.com
reports” applications:
App, Z-Alert App)
3. The users are then invited to confirm whether • Users of Petabencana.id (via map)
Mapview Petabencana7 Other organisations report additional data:
flooding is taking place at their location • Jakarta Smart City
Indonesian state department collecting river gauge
4. To submit a confirmed report of the situation data • InAware
on the ground, users are simply requested to
send a geo-located tweet from their mobile The map view displaying three social media icons. • Indonesian state department collecting rainfall • Pacific Disaster Center (DisasterAware)
device A click on the corresponding icon opens a Facebook data
• JakSafe
chat, a Twitter tweet composer with a pre-set hash- • Indonesian state department collecting data on
5. The data is then displayed alongside further tag or a Telegram conversation with a chat-bot. • InaSafe
relevant emergency data collected by local waterways
• Zurich Insurance (Z-Map)
• Field data (floodgates, pumps, waterways)
The data is visualised on anThe data is then passed
8 | SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA | 9
1.2 WEATHER ALERTS AND
SOURCES
• Article on Weather Chasers Malawi
Interestedinotherdigital
solutions in case of
floding?
REPORTS USING WHATSAPP:
• Video of Weather Chasers Malawi
Meeting (Facebook) Check out chapter 1.3
WEATHER CHASERS MALAWI
• Presentaion of the Ministry of Natural
“
Resources, Energy and Mining
containing further information on the When public IT
topic infrastructure is
not available, the
applications offer
FURTHER EXAMPLES OF
a viable means of
WHATSAPP APPLICATIONS organising disaster
INTRODUCTION
“
response and relief.”
• Restoring connectivity in India using
The Google Drive Suite contains standard office WhatsApp
applications that run in a web browser. Users can A WhatsApp group was created in the
create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, aftermath to send out weather information
questionnaire forms, drawings and maps. All of
and to request actual observations from
these applications run simultaneously, as each file
has a unique Uniform Resource Locator (URL), members in order to verify forecasts and
which can be shared with others. Creating a file ultimately improve their reliability.”
requires registration via a google account.
DATA INTEGRATION
In the aftermath of a crisis, the document and
spreadsheet applications are a quick and easy Reported observations can confirm hazardous while interested parties are able to obtain up-to-
way of collecting and disseminating information. weather detected by satellites, but can also identify date information for their areas of intervention. This
where the forecasts are frequently inconsistent. strengthens the efficiency and distribution of weather
Daily observations recorded by the registered forecasts for all parties involved
keepers from 21 weather stations are sent through
the list. DCCMS is thus able to record data centrally,
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION:
The Department of Climate Change and farmers, disaster risk monitoring officers)
Meteorological Services (DCCMS) in Malawi uses • Participants are encouraged to provide location
WhatsApp as a two-way communication channel to:: and time of the data
• The “spotter reports” provide information to
• disseminate 24-hour weather forecasts ground truth forecasts to DCCMS.
• communicate early warnings for storms, floods • offer a platform for discussion related to the
and lightning proper response to changing climates (e.g. for
• record observations (rainfall, temperature and farmers encountering changing rainfall patterns)
more) by its 256 members (meteorologists,
Weather chasers Malawi
10 | SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA | 11
1.3
SOURCES Interestedinotherdigital
solutions in case of
GOOGLE DRIVE ● Project website
floding?
Check out chapter 2.1
FOR DISASTER RESPONSE:
● Google Docs
“
● Google Spreadsheets
CHENNAI FLOODS
● Google Forms
The NGO SPO
● Google Drawings
needed a way to
●
ICTs and help lines involved in the crisis receive feedback
response
from flood victims in
● xample of Google Doc use:
E order to coordinate
Nepalquake Google Doc and to monitor the
INTRODUCTION ● Google Person Finder distribution process of
● Yoti shelter, clothing, medicine
The Google Drive Suite contains standard office In the case of the Chennai Floods, thousands of and more.”
applications that run in a web browser. Users can people were displaced, mobile towers ran out of
create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, inverter battery power and regular media channels
questionnaire forms, drawings and maps. All of did not have access to localized information on the
these applications run simultaneously, as each file areas most affected. A local lawyer set up a Google
has a unique Uniform Resource Locator (URL), Spreadsheet (see above) to consolidate rescue
which can be shared with others. Creating a file requests and contact details of volunteers. This way,
requires registration via a google account. a semi-structured resource was created that allowed
In the aftermath of a crisis, the document and coordination of an initially chaotic situation.
spreadsheet applications are a quick and easy way
“
of collecting and disseminating information
This way, a semi-structured
DATA INTEGRATION
“
resource was created that allowed
When public IT infrastructure is not coordination of a complex and
available, the applications provide chaotic situation.” The data recorded through the spreadsheet and conditions to grant access:
with viable means of organising social media was used to coordinate disaster
A document can be made available
relief by matching flooding victims with volunteers.
disaster response and relief.” As an increasing number of people attempted to Volunteers could either tweet using the designated • to up to 100 chosen users
edit the spreadsheet, a simple search interface was hashtag or enter their contact information using
• to anyone in possession of the URL
When public IT infrastructure is not available, the designed using Github, a platform for source code the spreadsheet (phone number, Twitter handle,
applications provide viable means of organising management, and a submission form was added. address) together with details such as the number • As a freely accessible published document
disaster response and relief. The possibility to The resulting web interface was then hosted on of people that can be accommodated. Flooding
work on a document collaboratively and real time chennairains.org. victims had the opportunity to use the spreadsheet
to find support in their area, enter details on their Within the setting of co-creation in times of natural
updating makes it stand out in this regard.
location and specific emergency situation and find disaster, the most effective choice is to make it
information regarding helplines or doctors. accessible for anyone in possession of its URL.
Since this means open access to private data, its
use should be limited to emergencies.
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION Alongside its benefits, this process came with an
issue labelled ‘social media noise’: Information was
People could tweet aid requests using #chennairains Yoti is an app addressing this issue: The app uses
circulated through retweets after it had become
and @chennairains or use the Google Spreadsheet information from government-issued identification
irrelevant, creating ‘noise’ when looking for actually
directly. documents, encrypts them and stores them as a so-
relevant information. For instance, if a flood victim
1. A social media team monitored Twitter for the tweeted a request for help and support/relief called Yoti on the user’s smartphone. The Yoti can
accountslisted tags and handles was provided, the Tweet (containing the request) then serve as online identificator. This could reduce
continued to be circulated through retweets by other the amount of sensitive data necessary, when
2. An operations team coordinated and matched registering to provide or receive help. However,
users, who were unaware that it had been resolved.
the aid requests with volunteer offers this approach is prone to fail for its necessity of a
3. An on-the-ground team additionally monitored network effect, meaning a sufficient number of users
additional specific suburbs in Chennai Another challenge if this method is data privacy must register their Yoti.
ownership. On the Google Drive platforms, the
creator of a document can determine among pre-set
Floods in Chennai8
12 | SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA | 13
02
SHORT MESSAGE
SERVICE (SMS)
Deemed a revolutionary technological step with its
introduction in 1992, the Short Message Service As a peer-to-peer messaging service, SMS allows
(SMS) has long since lost its status. Regarding groups and communities to coordinate their efforts.
technologies enhancing climate adaptation, SMS That being said, in its traditional form, group
may be one of the most low-hanging fruit and the messages via SMS are challenging, as not all
most underrated means of communicating data. recipients can see whom the message is addressed
According to the International Telecommunication to. However, when combined with software an SMS
Union (ITU), there were more mobile cellular gateway, SMS can be used to request information
subscriptions than inhabitants worldwide in 2017 , from a database, and, vice versa, messages can
putting SMS in the hands of technically all. Although be automated and sent out to individuals or large
there are significant discrepancies between groups. In this manner, alerts, weather forecasts
developed and developing countries to consider, and more can be sent out to groups of recipients
there seems to be a strong case for the argument such as farmers. In turn, these individuals can report
that most - if not all - other technologies that are information, e.g. about pests to coordinate pesticide
used in climate adaptation require higher levels of use, to the centralised service, which is then relayed
technological literacy and equipment than SMS. In to the other participants. In cases of catastrophes,
times of WhatsApp and other internet messaging warnings and crisis response measures can be
services, it may seem technologically obsolete. communicated to those affected.
“
Nonetheless, in regards to The examples below introduce service providers that
offer solutions ranging from e-mail, to SMS services,
extreme climate events, it might to sophisticated online dashboards. These allow the
occur that smartphones are only use of variables to automatically include data such
as names, addresses and others, thus enabling
able to send and receive SMS.” automated messaging and managing of thousands
of recipients.
Nonetheless, in regards to extreme climate events, it
might occur that smartphones are only able to send
and receive SMS.
2.1 Social media-based flood-mapping:
PetaBencana
2.2 Weather alerts and reports using WhatsApp:
Weather Chasers Malawi
14 | SMS SMS | 15
2.1
Interested in other
SOURCES digitalsolutions in case
DISASTER RISK
of floding?
• FrontlineSMS Check out chapter 1.1
MANAGEMENT DURING • FrontlineSMS Cloud App
“
•
Example of a Free and Open Source
PAKISTAN FLOODS:
SMS gateway Petabencana enables
swift and informed
decision making by
FRONTLINESMS citizens and government
in times of crisis”
INTRODUCTION
“
The Pakistani NGO Strengthening Participatory Using FrontlineSMS the project
Organization (SPO), implemented a disaster relief managed to establish an efficient way
project to distribute food items and shelter following
the 2011 monsoon flooding in Sindh, which affected
to communicate with residents.”
an estimated 5.5 million people.
The NGO needed a way to receive feedback from Using FrontlineSMS in combination with a
flood victims in order to coordinate and to monitor communication system based on numbers and signs
the distribution process of shelter, clothing, medicine to overcome language barriers, the project managed
and more. to establish an efficient way to communicate with DATA INTEGRATION
residents. By managing their contacts in groups through procedure.
FrontlineSMS, SPO were able to create contact lists
The advantage of using SMS to manage incoming
for village and Union Council members. With their
complaints was that it was asynchronous – SPO
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION group contact lists, SPO sent tailored messages
sent automatic replies through FrontlineSMS to
before each of their five partner organizations
acknowledge receipt of messages, and could
1. An account with FrontlineSMS is set up by the 4. The organisations involved in the process started the aid distribution process in order to alert
then call back shortly after. In addition, they
NGOs. distributed leaflets explaining the use of SMS in the beneficiaries. Additionally, the NGO could also
had all incoming SMS recorded automatically in
2. With the account set up, a SMS gateway (point pictures and Arabic, the native language. This solicit feedback via SMS following the distribution.
FrontlineSMS, which helped them manage and
from which the SMS are sent and received) is was done to overcome the language barrier and When a complaint was received from a beneficiary,
monitor the different types of responses coming in.
established. There are commercial providers the fact, that not all phones were able to correctly the response manager could call back, ask for more
depending on the region. One can also use a communicate Unicode characters. information, and then follow the internal complaints
smartphone running Android after installing the 5. Teams went to every village to distribute the
FrontlineSMS Cloud App. printed leaflets, posters and cards, and explained
3. The NGOs develop a numbering system together the system to beneficiaries. During this process, TECHNICAL INFORMATION
with the villagers to categorize the feedback given field workers documented all beneficiaries’ phone
FrontlineSMS is accessed through an online
by the affected. It ranges from 0-9, with each numbers, which were then saved to FrontlineSMS.
dashboard that runs in supported browsers
number having a specific meaning: As a result, every message received by
regardless of the operating system. The costs
FrontlineSMS could be associated with a name and
to run FrontlineSMS depend on the amount of
1 = Food items a location. Personalized auto-replies, geographical
interactions (sent / received SMS). Additionally,
2 = Shelter allocations of help requests and more were thereby
a SMS gateway needs to be established. Its
3 = Conflict enabled.
costs vary significantly between commercial
4 = Corruption 6. The affected could now send their feedback using
providers and regions. Instead, a smartphone
5 = Issues with SPO staff the numbering system, allowing the NGOs involved
running Android can be used to send and
6 = Issues with Partner Organisation staff to categorize the prevalent issues and respond
receive messages. The costs and amount of
7 = Issues with Village Council accordingly
SMS that can be sent and received depend
8 = Issues affecting women and children
on the individual cell phone contract, as does
9 = Issues affecting those with disabilities
the number of messages that can be sent per
0 as a means of saying ‘thank you’
second or minute.10
16 | SMS SMS | 172.2 SMS-BASED
SOURCES Interested in other
digital solutions for
traffic monitoring?
AUTOMATED DATA ●
●
Bus Tracker API Documentation
Clever Devices Inc.
Check out chapter 4.4
“
MANAGEMENT: BUS TRACKER The app therefore
offers a unique
BY SMS proposition by
turning everyday
commutes into
traffic data, which is
specifically relevant for
INTRODUCTION urban and transport
planners researching
The Chicago Transport Authority’s (CTA) ‘Bus It demonstrates a simple digital solution using SMS
Tracker by SMS’ can give estimated arrival times of and a Global Positioning System (GPS) based traffic patterns.”
public busses via text message. The user sends a backend. The same principle could be applied in
text containing a code identifying the bus stop to a order to establish automated messaging services
specified number and receives the estimated arrival allowing users to request data from other remote
time in return. backends, e.g. to request updates on extreme
weather events.
“
It demonstrates a simple digital solution
using SMS and a Global Positioning
System (GPS) based backend.”
Example image of a bus stop sign12
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
• A backend of the CTA tracks the GPS coordinates TECHNICAL INFORMATION
of public busses along their specified routes and
continuously calculates the estimated arrival times. Example image of the user’s view11 Each bus contains a GPS device, which helps
• Users waiting at bus stops can send a message the CTA to map buses and improve service and
to the system using the syntax ‘ctabus [stop ID]’. A schedules. Additionally, the data can help bus riders
message could for instance contain the message: make decisions about when to head out to a bus
‘ctabus 41411’. stop. Estimated arrival times and these APIs are
provided through a system called “BusTime,” a
• The system returns the estimated arrival time to the product made by Clever Devices, Inc.
user.
A Bus of the Chicago transportation system13
18 | SMS SMS | 1903
SENSOR-DRIVEN
TOOLS
Sensing devices hold a great potential in the field on how to build and program a unit are available.
of ICT-based Adaptation to Climate Change in These need to be followed closely to avoid fallible
Cities. For one, affordable devices lower access measurements, e.g. by placing a temperature
barriers. Simultaneously, an increasing number of sensor in direct sunlight, producing alleviated
service providers such as Arduinos, Raspberry Pis, temperature readings. In this regard, standardised
NodeMCUs allow users to partake in data-driven and tested plug-and-play devices give way to
interventions. The companies listed above provide improved measuring precision.
hardware (for sale) and software (for free), so that
Along the fact that plug-and-play devices are
users may programme their own prototypes or use
commonly more expensive than their DIY-
programmes that other users of the hardware have
counterparts, intellectual property poses additional
previously written.
problems: Commercial providers are less likely to
These sensing devices can collect environmental make the design and software of their solutions
data such as temperature, humidity, light, and more openly available, thereby limiting the ways in which
specific measurements (e.g. fine dust particles, they can be audited, re-appropriated and adapted
radioactivity). On the lower end, the necessary to specific contexts. A major asset of DIY Versions
elements for these devices cost 30€. Web-based is the sensor assembly according to the identified
services allow the user to upload the collected issue. DIY-devices enable a flexible approach,
data to a central server and display it on a map. with the added benefit of being available to larger
This Data can then corroborate public debates communities that continuously explore new ways
on specific climate-related events. The projects of using the modular design of DIY-devices to re-
presented below showcase ways to automatically configure them in order to meet new challenges.
plot the generated data on interactive online maps, Additionally these approaches raise awareness
some even offering mobile measurements. However, around certain environmental issues such as fine
not all existing projects publish the data on an open dust particle concentration
basis, thereby reducing their transparency and
public utility.
While this section primarily focusses on DIY-sensor
kits, pre-configured commercial units exist.
“ DIY-sensor devices require a high degree
of technical versatility.”
3.1 IoTrees in Guadalajara
3.2 DIY-sensing of radiation after Fukushima:
DIY-sensor devices require a high degree of Safecast
technical versatility. For eager autodidacts manuals
3.3 DIY-sensor to measure environmental data:
SenseBox
20 | SENSOR DRIVEN SENSOR DRIVEN | 213.1
Interested in other
IOTREES IN
Applications fostering
SOURCES
citizen engagement?
GUADALAJARA
• Arbol IoT (android app)
• Arbol IoT (web app) Check outfixmystreetin
chapter 4.2
• ICT-A City of Guadalajara (landing site)
“
• ICT-A Global (website) Users can report
issues such as broken
CODE REPOSITORY lamps, garbage,
potholes and others
INTRODUCTION • Andropid app through the app, which
• Sensor matches their geolocation
“
• Backend to the correct postcode
and the corresponding
IoTrees (Árbol IoT in Spanish) is a multi-platform It aims to collect data to develop city department
approach to crowdsourcing data on urban trees and an easy to update Urban Tree responsible to fix the
monitor the environment by a city’s inhabitants. The issue.”
IoTrees cross-platform gathers information through
Inventory, raise citizen awareness
a mobile and web app, and a network of low-cost about the eco-benefits of trees and
DIY sensors that help users monitor air quality, assist in public decision-making
light, weather and noise. It aims to collect data to based on evidence.”
develop an easy to update Urban Tree Inventory,
raise citizen awareness about the eco-benefits of Additionally, sensors provide real-time data about
trees and assist in public decision-making based on environmental conditions that could be crossed with
evidence. outputted data from trees state on climate change
adaptation. In other words, crossing data aims to
help developing green infrastructure planning.
Model for data integration in IoT app
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION DATA INTEGRATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Preexisting Guadalajara tree database, obtained by As an open source technology, IoTrees is fully
The app contains an existing database of urban • Next, users are asked to provide information on the Lidar technology feeds ‘Arbol IoT’. Guadalajara tree replicable in other cities. The programing is
trees. Using their smartphones, users can edit following variables: database is hosted in the municipality Open Data interactively documented and made available via
these elements of the database or add new ones. In Portal “Guadalajara Map”: web-based hosting services. Interested actors will
o Location – confirmed on an interactive map
practice, the following steps take place: be able to customize it in line with their local needs
(automatically includes latitude and longitude)
• Having approached a tree, an augmented reality • https://mapa.guadalajara.gob.mx/ and resources.
o Tree Species (From dropdown list) • https://mapa.guadalajara.gob.mx/arbolado/
function allows users to draw a pattern with their
finger based on the tree-type (bush, pine or palm). o Tree Diameter, circumference and height • Mobile App: The mobile app was programed in 3
In the new upscaling phase of ‘Arbol Iot’, data will be versions: Android, Android Lite and iOS.
• The user then takes a photo to further document • Once the information is uploaded, it must be hosted in the planning platform “SIGmetro” which is • Web App: makes use of the open source code
the tree. confirmed by another user. A function in the app the official data tool for the planning process for the of OpenTreeMap
named Treender stores all validations. Once the metropolitan municipalities. • Sensor: The sensors on the gather
• The user then chooses whether the chosen tree
information is confirmed by 50 further users, the data measurements on environmental factors such
is part of the already captured database, or if it is a
will be tagged as “validated”. as Temperature, Humidity, Gasses, Fine dust
new entry to the database.
particles PM 2.5 & PM 10, Nitrogen Oxide
22 | SENSOR DRIVEN SENSOR DRIVEN | 233.2 DIY-SENSING
Interested in preset
sensor tools?
Check out chapter 3.4
OF RADIATION AFTER SOURCES
FUKUSHIMA: SAFECAST
“
• Safecast map An interesting
• All details (code, files, parts lists etc.) can be aspect of Breeze
found here as compared to the
• Safecast:Drive app: Apple | Google Play | more Do-it-Yourself
Amazon Apps (DIY) approaches is its
self-proclaimed focus on
companies as sponsors
of the devices, which are
then hosted by citizens.”
INTRODUCTION
“
Safecast is a citizen-science-based platform Safecast maintains the largest open
collecting radiation and other environmental data dataset of background radiation
using a mobile, GPS-enabled logging sensor
device. It was launched in the aftermath of the 2011
measurements ever collected.”
earthquake/tsunami in Japan and the subsequent
It maintains the largest open dataset of background
meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power
radiation measurements ever collected. Users have
Plant. Safecast quickly began collecting, monitoring,
collected over 50 million readings to date.
and openly sharing information on environmental
radiation, growing quickly in size, scope, and
geographic reach.
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION Photo of the bGeige nano15
Safecast has developed a device called bGeige
to collect the radiation data. It is based on the
DATA INTEGRATION calibration tests at QualTek in the US, at the Jülich
Research Centre in Germany, and at the IAEA
Arduino platform and fits into a re-purposed bento testing laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria. In all
This device is part of a global environmental sensor
box. After several iterations, the bGeige nano is the cases the measured accuracy has been shown
network enabling people to collect radiation readings
current variant of the device and can be attached to be compatible with the Safecast specifications
to freely use and share the data. Despite the crucial
to cars or bicycles, thereby turning it into a mobile (Accuracy: +/- 10% typical, +/- 15% maximum). +/-
importance, radiation has never been measured on
measuring station. It is a solid-state, fully digital 10% is currently considered excellent performance
this scale. This precedence case enables authorities
device. Because of its design, its performance is for a Geiger counter. A device costs between $550
to make informed decisions in dealing with the
more consistent than the performance of devices USD (self-assembly) and $1,500 USD for the
aftermath of the nuclear fallout. Simultaneously, the
with analogue components, which are more likely assembled version .
device improves personal safety of the users, as it
to be affected by confounders such as temperature
alerts in case of increased radiation levels.
and other external influences. The Safecast bGeige To gather additional readings on air quality, Safecast
Nano collects a reading every 5 seconds. The is currently building a network of sensors to monitor
data is then uploaded to a central database using TECHNICAL INFORMATION fine particles PM1.0, PM2.5, Carbon Monoxide,
a smartphone and Bluetooth connection or via a Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone and Methane. All data
Safecast map displaying radiation measurements made computer Safecast aims to create an independent, objective collected by Safecast is released under a CC0
using bGeige14 database of environmental readings. bGeigie public domain.
Nano units have periodically been put through
24 | SENSOR DRIVEN SENSOR DRIVEN | 253.3 DIY-SENSOR TO SOURCES
Interested in diy sensor
approaches?
MEASURE ENVIRONMENTAL • Website describing the research setup
Check out chapter 3.2
DATA: SENSEBOX
“
• Blogpost describing the project Safecast quickly
• The data was gathered from the senseBox began monitoring,
API (senseBox Github Repo) collecting, and openly
• It was then analysed using BinderHub, sharing information on
allowing for a browser-run computational environmental radiation,
environment that can be reproduced by growing quickly in size,
anyone
scope, and geographic
INTRODUCTION • The graphical output was generated using R reach.”
SenseBox is an environmental data-sensor SenseBoxes measure numerous environmental • Every step necessary to reproduce the
utilising a micro controller unit (MCU). It can variables. The collected data increases the analysis and output can be found here and
record environmental data (temperature, humidity, measurement density of various environmental here
air pressure, illuminance, UV radiation, fine dust factors and can contribute to more accuracy
pollution and more) depending on the chosen regarding environmental pollution or traffic.
setup. The user can upload the data generated
The senseBox comes in two variants: a ‘home’
by senseBox (and other devices) to a central
edition, which can be freely configured, and an
server, where it is plotted on the openSenseMap
‘edu’ edition, which comes as a non-customizable
“
and thereby made available, so that anyone can
package with a fixed set of sensors included. The
observe, analyse and download the data.
home edition also comes with a weather-resistant
packaging and a 5m USB cable, allowing the user
The collected data increases the to install it as a stationary unit, for instance on
measurement density of various a balcony. The edu edition on the other hand is
environmental factors and can meant to be used in schools and other learning
contribute to more accuracy environments in order to become acquainted with
the MCU platform and to perform research projects.
regarding environmental pollution or
traffic.”
Location of the senseBoxes in Münster17
DATA INTEGRATION
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
In the example below, a senseBox user decided
When purchasing a senseBox home, the customer software can be used to set up the senseBox. For to measure the effects of fireworks on the
chooses a specific loadout. Always included is the less technically versed users, a simplified block- concentration of fine dust particles in the air on New
MCU, the ‘heart’ of the device, a temperature and based programming software called senseBox Years Eve 2017 / 2018. Fireworks alone produced
humidity sensor, a radiation protector, weather blockly is available online. It enables the user 5000 tons of particulate matter in 2016 in Germany,
resistant packaging and a 5m USB cable. The to program his/her device by dragging visual amounting to approximately 17% of yearly emissions
customer needs to choose at least one so-called components into jigsaw-like compositions, which are by vehicles . The measurements created by the
‘Bee’, which represents the type of connection automatically translated into the code that can then network of senseBoxes can serve as an entry point
used to transmit data: Wi-Fi, SD-card, LAN or be transmitted to the senseBox. to the debate on fine dust particles and thereof
LoRa (Long Range) can be chosen depending on potential political consequences.
Detailed guidelines on the necessary steps to
the circumstances. The customer can then pick
connect the senseBox:home are available. A guide
additional sensors (air pressure, light and UV, fine
to publish the data the OpenSenseMap is also
dust) and items (GPS, LED-display, expander,
available.
micro-SD card). The chosen components alongside
assembling instructions is then sent to the customer.
Plotting of the results during NYE 2017 / 201816
Once the customer has assembled the senseBox
home, the free and open source Arduino IDE
26 | SENSOR DRIVEN SENSOR DRIVEN | 273.4 PROPRIETARY SENSOR SOURCES
● Breeze Website
Interested in diysensor
approaches?
Check out chapter 3.2
TO MEASURE ENVIRONMENTAL
“
● Breeze Map Hamburg
Safecast quickly
DATA: BREEZE began monitoring,
collecting, and openly
sharing information on
environmental radiation,
growing quickly in size,
scope, and geographic
reach.”
INTRODUCTION
Breeze is a proprietary out-of-the-box solution to the monitoring of pollutants on the street level,
collect and display different environmental data. Breeze also offers its monitoring services to private
Whereas other providers of sensory toolkits such as companies. As the air quality of office spaces can
senseBox or Safecast require the user to assemble have a direct impact on the productivity of staff,
the sensors, Breeze offers a ready-made design. Breeze offers the possibility to improve indoor air
The start-up sells outdoor and indoor monitoring monitoring for employees and employers.
“
solutions for municipalities and companies,
alongside a publicly accessible map that displays Breeze offers the possibility to improve
some of the collected data. indoor air monitoring for employees and
Breeze monitors and analyses pollutants in line employers.”
Screenshot of Breeze Map20
with the health guidelines of the WHO. Alongside
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
According to Breeze, their software can integrate
various types of Open Data. The company
states that their “environmental analytics cloud
platform gathers real-time data from Breeze air
quality sensors as well as external data sources”.
Furthermore, it utilizes a “proprietary Adaptive Cloud
Calibration Engine to increase data reliability and
accuracy” by employing “machine learning and
big data technologies”19 . Breeze devices collect
Temperature and Humidity, Carbon Monoxide (CO),
Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitric Oxide (NO), Nitrogen
Dioxide (NO2), Fine Particulates (PM10 and PM2.5),
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3) and Ammonia
(NH3). The measurements are made in short
intervals (about 30 seconds) and transmitted to a
central server owned by Breeze.
DATA INTEGRATION FURTHER INFORMATION
As Breeze does not publish their code nor the
specific hardware components used, it remains Breeze devices hold the potential to complement A Breeze device costs between 990€ and 1590€ +
difficult to assess the quality and precision of the existing monitoring solutions employed by an additional 500-600€ per year to operate.
the measurements. The standardized technical municipalities and urban agencies through large
configuration and design nonetheless constitute a numbers of low-cost devices, which increase the
major asset. resolution of the data points available.
Air quality in urban spaces can cause irreparable damage18
28 | SENSOR DRIVEN SENSOR DRIVEN | 2904
WEB APPS
With continuously decreasing prices, smartphones uses the gyroscopes included in many smartphones
are becoming omnipresent in more and more parts to sense damages such as potholes on the travelled
of the world. Equipped with GPS, basic sensors and road, and Noisetube records noise levels using the
camera technology, smartphones are an unpreceded microphone integrated in smartphones to create
tool to collect and share data. In the context of informative maps.
“
climate adaptation in cities, the inhabitants can
participate in environmental mapping, situational
reporting, feedback mechanisms and crowd-sensing For urban practitioners, these
tools, with no additional costs involved. examples demonstrate the potential
The applications presented below, showcase the of turning the smartphone, into a
re-appropriation of the sensors and components source of information for a wide field of
integrated in smartphones to generate situational
possible applications.”
data of urban environments. Firechat establishes
a ‘mesh network’, which functions without Wi-
Fi or cellular connection to establish lines of
For urban practitioners, these examples
communication by transforming smartphones into
demonstrate the potential of turning one of the
network nodes. FixmyStreet uses the camera,
most widely distributed and popular devices, the
GPS module and descriptions to enable citizens
smartphone, into a source of information for a wide
to report issues in urban environments to the
field of possible applications. That being said, the
local administration. Safetipin records subjective
efficiency, data-quality and feasibility of integrating
impressions of urban environments to assess safety
the information in specific contexts has to be
of different areas. Modalyzer records commuting
evaluated for the specific use cases.
routes and means of transport to make them
available for user-chosen research projects. Cyface
4.1 Creating a mesh network using smartphones:
Firechat in Marikina
4.2 User-generated reports on urban issues:
FixMyStreet
4.3 Measuring safety in urban spaces: Safetipin
4.4 Tracking traffic patterns using smartphones:
Modalyzer
4.5 Measuring road quality and traffic data: Cyface
4.6 Sensing noise using smartphones: Noisetube
7 | WEB APPS WEB APPS | 84.1 CREATING A SOURCES
• Project website
Interestedinalternatives
totheuseofsocialmedia
in spatial panning?
MESH NETWORK USING •
•
Article on Firechat (The Verge)
Article on Firechat (WIRED)
Check out chapter 2
SMARTPHONES: FIRECHAT IN
“
Smartphones are
able to send and
MARIKINA receive SMS even as
data intensive and
mobile internet-based
services (like WhatsApp)
are not available due to
extreme situations.”
INTRODUCTION
“
Firechat is a peer-to-peer encrypted messaging app Therefore, it develops its full potential
that uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections to send when a communication infrastructure
text and images. It works without access to Internet
or cellular data, creating a mesh network (based
needs to be established in densely
on the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology). Due to the populated urban areas.”
technical limitations of the modules used, users can DATA INTEGRATION
be a maximum of approximately 80 meters apart for
the system to function. Therefore, it develops its full potential when Open Garden, the Firechat manufacturer, made a Depending on the App / SDK, different prerequisites
a communication infrastructure needs to be Software Development Kit (SDK) called MeshKit need to be fulfilled. A Bluetooth & Wi-Fi connection
As a mesh network, Firechat has the option to established in densely populated urban areas. It available, which allowed local deployment of the is always needed on the user side.
operate in situations where the mobile network is should be noted, however, that in order for this software powering the app, e.g. to power city-
unavailable, given a sufficient user density. scenario to function, Firechat needs to be installed specific emergency apps. The SDK appears to have
on all the devices that intend to use the mesh been removed since and it remains unclear whether
network prior to internet connections becoming it will return. Other SDKs meeting similar aims, such
unavailable. Furthermore the range of the network is as the Hypelabs SDK, NewAer and Max-mesh,
remain available.
METHOD OF DATA
COLLECTION
Firechat collates various types of data. Its
primary use, however, is the establishment
of communication networks in high-density
areas with blocked or overstressed mobile
connections.
1. The user needs to install the Android or
iOS version of the app.
2. The user can then create single or multi-
user conversations and chatrooms.
3. Messages are encrypted and transmitted
from user to user until they reach their
destination. FireChat LOGO21
Illustration of firechat22
32 | WEB APPS WEB APPS | 334.2 USER-GENERATED
SOURCES
● FixMyStreet UK
Interested in other
participatory digital
solutions?
REPORTS ON URBAN ISSUES: ●
●
FixMyStreet Pro
FixMyStreet Platform
Checkoutchapter3.1on
iotrees
FIXMYSTREET
“
It aims to collect data
GERMAN EQUIVALENTS: to develop an easy
to update Urban Tree
● Mängelmelder Inventory, raise citizen
awareness about the
● Karlsruhe Feedback
INTRODUCTION eco-benefits of trees
● Maerker Brandenburg and assist in public
FixMyStreet (FMS) is a popular damage reporting and the line of communication between the city decision-making based
and complaint management app in the UK. For and its inhabitants helps to reduce frustration and
cities, keeping up with damages, vandalism, illegal complications on both sides.
on evidence.”
“
garbage disposals and more can be a tedious task.
Such issues occur on a daily basis and require swift The success of that application depends
action to maintain urban infrastructures. Users can on the users experience with the city
report issues through the app, which matches their
geolocation to the correct postcode and contacts services.”
the corresponding city department responsible to
fix the damage. This increases the efficiency of the The success of that application depends on
process leading from the occurrence of an issue the users experience with the city services. It
to the assignment of the responsible department, is therefore essential that the reporting app is
reducing city bureaucracy. The city administration leading to visible outcomes, performed by the city
can plan and react efficiently to coordinate services, administration.
DATA INTEGRATION TECHNICAL INFORMATION
FMS can integrate with existing administrative The FixMyStreet platform is an open source
reporting structures in different ways. In the software available on Github. Any interested city,
most basic variant, the reports generated using council or citizen group can customize their own
FixMyStreet are simply sent to the e-mail address application of FMS. Examples of this include the City
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION of the corresponding council by the software. The of Zürich and the City of Stockholm
email includes the category of the problem and its
1. The citizens report issues in the urban exact location. The council can then respond to this
environment using text descriptions, email normally and the message will be sent to the
photographs and GPS tags users’ inbox.
2. They post the issue using the website, iOS or
Android app A second way to integrate FMS is for councils to use
3. The report is forwarded to the council the paid version of the software called FixMyStreet
responsible Pro. This option includes the replacement of the
4. A messaging channel allows the council to internal reporting software used by a council with a
respond and update the reporter customisable version of FMS. Oxfordshire county
council is one example that has taken this route.
Users view of the FixMyStreet App23
34 | WEB APPS WEB APPS | 354.3 MEASURING SAFETY IN SOURCES
● About the app
Interested in other
Mapping Applications?
Check out chapter 5.1
URBAN SPACES: SAFETIPIN ● City example (New Delhi)
“
HOT provides
maps for disaster
management, risk
INTRODUCTION reduction and to help
disaster responders.”
The ‘MySafetipin’ app is used by citizens to obtain The user can use the app as a navigation system,
information on the level of safety in a given area which evaluates different routes based on their
based on user reports. safety score. The user can also share their location
“
with his contacts via GPS when travelling through
With MySafetiPin the user can navigate unsafe territory.
whilst sharing their location via GPS.” The app is primarily used in India, Colombia,
Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippines and was
SAFETIPIN25
Safetypin allows to assess the safety of a district through the users evaluation in predetermined indices24
METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION DATA INTEGRATION
Any user can publish a post sharing their feeling at ● Density of people
a particular place. Users can reinforce posts, put ● Security While many urban phenomena can be measured proposition by providing qualitative data that is
up their own comments, and additionally post it on ● Quality of walk path using sensors, the personal perception and “mood” otherwise difficult – if not impossible – to obtain.
Facebook and Twitter. While travelling, they can ● Accessibility of public transport in the area of an area is the result of an interplay of many For urban planning, implementing the results could
view Safety Audits and plan their routes accordingly. ● Gender diversity in the area factors, which can only fully be understood and lead to new impulses in making cities more liveable.
The Safety Audit consists of a set of 9 parameters measured through experience. The app can give The data generated is particularly relevant for
that make up to the safety score: urban planners a novel and subjective perspective social groups prone to abuse, government service
The user evaluates these criteria on a scale from on the actual perception of a place, enabling them providers, urban planners and non-governmental
● Lighting in the area zero to five (0 – 5). Each rating results in a pin on to take steps to improve or change the situation organizations involved in related social issues.
● Openness of the area the specific location where the audit was recorded accordingly. Safetipin therefore offers a unique
● Visibility in the area along with the time and date. The colour of the pin
is red, orange or green based on the measure of the
parameters.
36 | WEB APPS WEB APPS | 37You can also read
