A Unified View on Data Path Aspects for Sensing Applications at a Smart City Scale

Founded upon the Internet of Things (IoT), the technological landscape of Smart Cities brings a wide range of operational parameters which pose significant challenges for architectural concerns. Herein we provide a unified view on the data path issues of sensing applications in terms of generic capabilities. We touch information granularity and semantic load concerns, discussing the escalation of detail from raw data to event indicators and, ultimately, deductions. Furthermore, we discuss customization and non-functional optimizations associated to particular application domains. In this regard, we identify key components in the data path. We conclude with design insights for an accommodating and efficient design of the data path for IoT applications.