# A Social Environmental Sensor Network Integrated within a Web GIS Platform
## 1 Introduction  
The methodology of identifying and recording natural parameters is straightly connected to environmental degradation, while modern technological achievements have created new prospects of interaction between human and their living environment [1]. Technological solutions derive from complex scientific processes, which offer integrity, scientific relevance and applied continuously could also serve as a stepping stone to minimize environmental impact [2]. The increased accessibility to cutting edge technologies and the variety of skill-set held by the average citizen, generate prospects of novel methodology for protecting and preserving the environment. This study focuses on the development of a prototype platform that records the environmental state of any given place. Open-source technologies (software and hardware) are playing a pivotal role on the implementation of the platform. More specifically, the proposed platform is supported by recording devices based on the Arduino family of boards. Code development take place at all stages of the project and have been implemented exclusively through open-source applications. The monitoring device is calibrated prior deployment, taking into consideration the parameters of each component (software and hardware). The scarcity and degradation of renewable or non-renewable natural resources are signaling disturbances in the planet's geochemical cycles as well as the reduction of biological diversity and genetic stock [3]. Human activities are characterized as the main source of climate change [4]. It is commonly accepted that the ecosystems of major cities have played an important role on the environmental crisis due to the unceasing accumulation of population within them. Moreover, cities present particular vulnerabilities to climate change and its effects [4]. The multidimensional concept of a human's Quality of Life (QoL) [5] is shaped, among others, by the perceived environmental nuisance, under subjective criteria. QoL deals with the study and documentation of the concept of quality of everyday life, through the synergy of both subjective and objective criteria. Enriching human activities with technological solutions may act as a springboard to minimize environmental impacts on everyday life. Towards this goal, one of the most promising, yet affordable solutions is the concept of the \"Internet-of-Things\" (IoT) [6]. IoT denotes the computerization and the utilization of everyday digital objects for the further enrichment of Internet data. It presents new means of interaction between man, machines and computers, indicating natural and essential modus operandi for humans and their environment. Moreover, recent advances in the fields of electronics have allowed consumer mobile Internet-enabled devices (e.g., smart-phones, tablets, smart-watches, etc.) to be equipped or even expandable with numerous features, that allow or facilitate interdisciplinary applications related to human and natural activities. The embodiment of GPS receivers within the aforementioned devices, the usage of novel methods of analytics, as well as means of presentation of geographical data have keenly contributed on broadening environmental science applications in conjunction with the advanced computing. Finally, the notion of \"participatory sensing\" [7] has allowed the contribution and access of individuals and or groups to a single core knowledge, allowing users to become active members within digital communities. The rapid growth of computing power on mobile devices has realized large scale environmental sensing, mainly through broad access and visualization provided by web GIS applications. The herein presented research methodology includes both design and implementation steps. Principles of environmental monitoring [1] guide the deterministic modeling that encloses certain research variables of the case study [8]. In addition to the theoretical approach, software structures are designed according to the system's demand.