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

Bibliographic Data

ID4660735
AuthorsEman Zied Abozied (0000-0002-7984-3793, Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute Newcastle upon Tyne UK, corresponding author), Caitlin Robinson (0000-0001-7653-359X, University of Bristol School of Geographical Sciences Bristol UK), Raymond S Franklin (0000-0002-2614-4665, Newcastle University), Rachel Franklin (Newcastle University Centre for Urban and Regional Development Henry Daysh Building Newcastle upon Tyne UK), Kate Court (0000-0002-9809-6682, Newcastle University Research Software Engineering The Catalyst Building, Newcastle Helix Newcastle upon Tyne UK), Jack Roberts (0000-0002-5906-889X, The Alan Turing Institute Research Engineering Group Newcastle upon Tyne UK)
Year2025
Volume191
Issue1
Publication date2025-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGeographical Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-7398 • E-ISSN: 1475-4959
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/geoj.12605
OpenAlexW4401376350
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited42

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

Data mining · Data science · Decision support system · Equity (law · Iterative and incremental development · Process (computing · Software engineering · Wireless sensor network · Computer Science · Human Mobility and Location-Based Analysis · Mobile Crowdsensing and Crowdsourcing · Smart Cities and Technologies

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Unique citing works2
Citations per year2
Citation span2025 - 2025 (1)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 2
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