Using big data analytics and IoT principles to keep an eye on underground infrastructure

A Concept Development Study by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) has highlighted the importance of high-quality feature data for underground urban infrastructure (UGI). Analysis of large survey datasets, including both visual and non-visual methods, is essential for creating and maintaining UGI geodata. Connecting hidden features with diverse, high-velocity sensing streams and realistic predictive models that effectively characterize them is key to lower construction costs, efficient infrastructure operation, sound disaster preparedness, and new smart city services. IoT principles that combine OGC geodata and Sensor Web observation standards may offer the best chance for working towards functional “digital twins” of such hidden infrastructure that are both cost effective and scalable with the increasing complexity and instrumentation of the underground built environment. Technical and policy challenges remain, however, before this can be achieved.