Welcome to UbiSensing & AI Lab | UbiSensing & AI Lab

Welcome to the UbiSensing & AI Lab at the University of Calgary! We are a pioneering research group dedicated to advancing geospatial technology through the integration of sensor networks, real-time data analysis, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Led by Dr. Steve Liang, a global authority in sensor web technology and standards, our lab is at the forefront of enabling smarter, data-driven decision-making for a wide range of applications.

Our Mission

At UbiSensing & AI Lab, we focus on developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between geospatial sensing and real-world applications. Our research spans from environmental monitoring and climate change detection to smart city infrastructure and Arctic research initiatives. We aim to revolutionize the way sensors and geospatial data are utilized, fostering a future where information flows seamlessly and efficiently to support intelligent decision-making across industries.

Core Research Areas

🌍 Environmental Monitoring & Climate Change

Our lab is at the forefront of methane emission detection and monitoring, developing advanced sensor networks and data models for tracking greenhouse gas emissions. We work on:

Methane fugitive emission detection using IoT sensors and AI-powered monitoring systems
Real-time environmental data collection and analysis through sensor networks
Climate change impact assessment and regulatory compliance frameworks
Generative AI assistants for methane emission regulation and compliance

🏙️ Smart Cities & IoT Infrastructure

We develop interoperable architectures for smart city applications, including:

COVID-19 monitoring systems using IoT standards and contact tracing
Traffic estimation with low-cost IoT cameras and real-time analysis
Air quality prediction through edge-based spatiotemporal data processing
Blockchain-based spatial crowdsourcing systems for community engagement
Location-based services and context-aware recommendation systems

🧭 Geospatial Standards & Interoperability

As active contributors to Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards, we work on:

OGC SensorThings API development and revision (v1.1 to v2.0)
Interoperable sensor web architectures and publish/subscribe systems
Multi-sensor integration management for Earth observation
Open geospatial standards for IoT applications and rapid response systems
INSPIRE extension to Internet of Things through SensorThings API

❄️ Arctic Research & Environmental Monitoring

Through projects like ArcticConnect, we contribute to:

Arctic environmental monitoring systems and biodiversity tracking
Polar mapping and visualization tools with specialized projections
Citizen science applications for community-based environmental monitoring
Arctic sensor web infrastructure and participatory technologies
Community-based groundwater monitoring networks

👷 Occupational Safety & Worker Well-being

We develop IoT-based systems for workplace safety, including:

Geospatial-aware Internet of Safe Labours (IoSL) for worker monitoring
Continuous health status monitoring using smartwatches and IoT standards
Fatigue detection and physical tiredness assessment systems
Real-time safety management for fieldwork and hazardous environments

Key Projects & Achievements

ArcticConnect

A comprehensive platform for Arctic research and environmental monitoring, featuring:

PolarMap.js: Leaflet.js plugin for Arctic-focused map projections
ArcticWebMap: Free tile server for OpenStreetMap data in Arctic projections
ArcticScholar: Database of Arctic research and publications
ArcticSensorWeb: Integration of sensors from Environment Canada and INTERACT
ArcticBioMap: Citizen reporting app for biodiversity data collection

OGC SensorThings API Development

Leading the development and revision of OGC standards:

SensorThings API v1.1: Core sensing and tasking capabilities
SensorThings API v2.0: Advanced features for environmental monitoring
OGC CDB Standard: 3D synthetic environment modeling and simulation
INSPIRE Integration: Extending European spatial data infrastructure to IoT

Environmental Monitoring & AI Systems

Methane Leak Detection: GAMA-based simulation for LDAR strategies
Generative AI Regulation Assistant: RAG-based system for methane emission compliance
Real-time Air Quality Prediction: Edge-based spatiotemporal data processing
Flood Monitoring: IoT cameras for street-level flood detection
Complex Event Detection: AI-powered environmental hazard recognition

Smart City & Safety Applications

IoSL (Internet of Safe Labours): Worker safety and well-being monitoring
COVID-19 Contact Tracing: Person-to-person and person-to-place systems
Context-Aware Recommendations: Location-based personalized services
Community-Based Monitoring: Citizen science for environmental data collection

Our Approach

We believe in the power of open standards and collaborative research. Our work emphasizes:

Interoperability: Using open geospatial standards to ensure data can be shared and integrated across different systems
Real-time Processing: Developing edge-based solutions for immediate data analysis and response
Scalability: Creating solutions that can be deployed across different environments and scales
Community Engagement: Involving citizens in data collection and environmental monitoring
Industry Collaboration: Partnering with organizations worldwide to implement practical solutions

Research Impact

Our research has contributed to:

Global Standards: Active participation in OGC standards development
Environmental Protection: Advanced monitoring systems for climate change mitigation
Public Safety: IoT-based solutions for workplace safety and public health
Scientific Discovery: Open-source tools and platforms for the research community
Industry Innovation: Practical applications in oil & gas, smart cities, and environmental sectors

Join Our Research Community

Whether you’re a student interested in geospatial technology, a researcher looking to collaborate, or an industry partner seeking innovative solutions, we welcome you to explore our work and get involved.

Our lab offers opportunities for:

Graduate Research: Join our team of researchers working on cutting-edge geospatial and IoT projects
Collaboration: Partner with us on environmental monitoring and smart city initiatives
Innovation: Contribute to the development of open standards and interoperable solutions
Industry Partnerships: Implement practical solutions that impact society

Stay Connected

Follow our research updates, explore our projects, and learn about our latest publications. Together, we’re building a more connected, sustainable, and intelligent world through geospatial technology.

The UbiSensing & AI Lab is part of the Department of Geomatics Engineering at the University of Calgary, located at the Calgary Centre for Innovative Technologies. We combine expertise in geospatial science, computer engineering, and environmental monitoring to create innovative solutions for today’s challenges.