Graphically Geo-Coding of Sensor System Information

Sensor network information should be presented to the user in a convenient way. For administration, inspection and access, this motivates a location-based interface. We implemented a GoogleMaps interface to wireless sensor networks, which we use in the CoBIs research project and explore the capabilities of such an interface. CoBIs focuses on the detection of hazardous situations in industrial areas, such as chemical plants. Hazards may occur due to misplacing of reactive chemicals. As a consequence, location and proximity information is a highly valuable source for administration of such areas. This paper reports on architecture and technology used and gives insight into the operation of the system and initial experiences within the CoBIs project. The graphical user interface made use of web technologies, esp. RSS, to provide the activation of sensor information by using logic on the map. This novel contribution allows the user to bi-directionally interact with the sensor network deployments. The effort seeks to close the gap between list-based interfaces commonly known in management consoles and data access interfaces and more real- world coupled respective intuitive - because of a strong association - interfaces.