SensorThings API
A standard interoperability protocol is a set of rules and specifications that defines how different systems should communicate and exchange data with each other. It acts as a common language or framework that enables seamless integration and interoperability between various technologies.
One specific standard protocol for interoperability is called SensorThings API (STA) and it is an open standard developed by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) that focuses on data exchange and interoperability for Internet of Things (IoT) sensor systems.
Imagine you have a city that wants to collect data from various sensors, such as temperature sensors, air quality sensors, and noise sensors, to monitor the environment. Each sensor might be produced by a different manufacturer and have its own way of storing and transmitting data. This is where STA comes into play.
SensorThings provides a standardized way for sensors to communicate and share their data. It defines a set of common interfaces, data models, and protocols that allow sensors to publish their data in a consistent format. This makes it easier for different applications and systems to access and utilize the sensor data.
For example, let's say you have a mobile app that displays real-time air quality information to users. By using the SensorThings standard, the app can easily connect to various air quality sensors deployed throughout the city and retrieve the relevant data. It doesn't matter if the sensors come from different manufacturers or use different communication methods, as long as they adhere to the SensorThings API standard the app can access their data seamlessly.
In the OGC context, a standard is an agreed specification of rules and guidelines about how to implement software interfaces and data encodings. Geospatial software vendors, developers and users collaborate in the OGC’s consensus process to develop and agree on standards that enable information systems to exchange geospatial information and instructions for geoprocessing. OGC standards are open standards.
Organizations like the OGC, the IETF, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and others are open organizations in the sense that any individual or organization can participate, the topics of debate are largely public, decisions are democratic (usually by consensus), and specifications are free and readily available. An “open” process is necessary to arrive at an “open” standard. The openness that OGC promotes is part of this general progress. (source: http://opengeospatial.github.io/e-learning/ogc-standards/text/services-ogc.html)
The OGC defines Open Standards as standards that are:
- Freely and publicly available – They are available free of charge and unencumbered by patents and other intellectual property.
- Non discriminatory – They are available to anyone, any organization, anytime, anywhere with no restrictions.
- No license fees - There are no charges at any time for their use.
- Vendor neutral - They are vendor neutral in terms of their content and implementation concept and do not favor any vendor over another.
- Data neutral – The standards are independent of any data storage model or format.
- Based on Consensus - They are defined, documented, and approved by a formal, member driven consensus process. The consensus group remains in charge of changes and no single entity controls the standard.
(Source: https://www.ogc.org/standard/sensorthings/)
In simple terms, STA is like a common rulebook for IoT sensors: it ensures that sensors from different vendors can speak the same language and share their data in a standardized way. This standardization promotes interoperability, making it easier for different systems and applications to work together and make sense of sensor data.