Evaluating usability of cross-platform smartphone applications

The computing power of smartphones is increasing as time goes. However, the proliferation of multiple different types of operating platforms affected interoperable smartphone applications development. Thus, the cross-platform development tools are coined. Literature showed that smartphone applications developed with the native platforms have better user experience than the cross-platform counterparts. However, comparative evaluation of usability of cross-platform applications on the deployment platforms is not studied yet. In this work, we evaluated usability of a crossword puzzle developed with PhoneGap on Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry. The evaluation was conducted focusing on the developer's adaptation effort to native platforms and the end users. Thus, we observed that usability of the cross-platform crossword puzzle is unaffected on the respective native platforms and the SDKs require only minimal configuration effort. In addition, we observed the prospect of HTML5 and related web technologies as our future work towards evaluating and enhancing usability in composing REST-based services for smartphone applications

Using web GIS to promote stakeholder understanding of scientific results in sustainable urban development: A case study in Bergen, Norway

This paper highlights the importance of improving stakeholder understanding of environmental factors such as air quality and the urban heat island effect to achieve sustainable development goals. While accurate spatial and temporal environmental data are critical for sustainable solutions, the challenge lies in translating complex environmental information for non-specialists. To solve this problem, we propose using web GIS storytelling as a powerful tool for communicating and disseminating information about the environment. This paper aims to show example of implementation of a web-based geographic information system (GIS) on our case study in Bergen, Norway. This platform “Web GIS Bergen, air quality and thermal comfort” was created as an open portal. This document explains the components of the platform, their rationale, and implementation, which includes important steps. They involve the collection of relevant environmental data, including modeling results and remote sensing data. Futhermore, the design and interface of the platform has been carefully considered to provide a user-friendly experience based on interactive maps and storytelling. Combining data visualization and storytelling, the platform promotes a comprehensive understanding of complex environmental data, including “invisible killers” such as air pollution and the urban heat island effect, which significantly affect sustainable development. The strategic integration of this web-based GIS platform in Bergen can serve as an attractive model for other urban areas looking for practical tools for sustainable development, engaging stakeholders for a healthier and more sustainable urban future

Data platform for rapid application development in the field of monitoring of vehicle and driver habits

This master's thesis describes a data platform for the fast development of applications in the automotive field. The platform is developed after the use case of monitoring of vehicle and driver habits (compliance with traffic regulations, way of driving). The data platform is composed of a mobile application and a server. The task of mobile applications is to collect data on the vehicle via the mobile device sensors (GPS, accelerometer) and OBD2 interface. Featured is a multi-platform mobile application development that meets the requirement for maximum coverage of mobile platforms and maximum speed of execution. The server receives and stores data from mobile devices in a spatial database for the purpose of analysis. It servers both as a REST application server and web server to display a user interface. In support of analysis it allows obtaining information on the speed limit and displacing the results on a map by using cloud services. The thesis introduces the researcher in the field of monitoring of vehicle and driver habits, the data platform serves as a base for research and development of new applications and algorithms. Careful selection of technologies and standards enable the rapid development and ease of use without loss of generality and speed of execution. The platform allows switching technologies and adding future extension. Learning the is facilitated by using the code as an example. The user is spared the complexity of the selection of appropriate technologies. Data sources, system architecture, used technologies and encountered difficulties are presented. Tips for improvements and additions platform are suggested. The source code and test data to test existing and develop new algorithms is included. Despite the multitude of existing research and projects, the field still offers new opportunities, especially considering the growing quantity of data, which will be available in the in future via OBD2 and the ever increasing capabilities of smart mobile devices. Without a data platform, which is capable of capturing and processing such quantity and variety of data, development is unimaginable. The presented platform is a good start in the field and the selected technologies and standards will serve its purpose for many years to come