Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing Technologies for Smart Cities and Rural Areas: Sensing and Information Management Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

The combination of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing technologies has emerged as a transformative force, particularly in developing smart cities and enhancing services in rural areas. This research topic can address the unique challenges of urban and rural environments, regarding sensing and information management technologies.

In smart cities, IoT devices are data collectors of an interconnected urban ecosystem. These devices, equipped with various sensors, obtain real-time data about environmental conditions, infrastructure usage, and human activities. The integration of cloud computing in this scenario becomes paramount, enabling the storage, processing, and analysis of massive datasets generated by IoT sensors. Cloud platforms offer the scalability and computational power needed to make sense of the vast information, providing actionable insights for city planners, policymakers, and residents alike. Furthermore, these technologies, combined with the power of edge computing, can automate decisions by running AI algorithms on the edge. Simultaneously, IoT and cloud computing in rural areas address challenges related to resource management, agriculture, and remote infrastructure. Intelligent agricultural practices, for instance, leverage IoT sensors to monitor soil quality, crop health, and weather conditions. Cloud computing facilitates this data aggregation, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, and crop rotation. In remote regions, IoT-enabled devices contribute to the development of intelligent infrastructure for monitoring and managing energy, water, and transportation systems.

A crucial part of IoT technologies is related to the sensing technologies used on the devices. Moreover, the information management technologies that enhance the efficiency of data processing and utilization are essential to successfully applying these technologies. Related issues include developing robust algorithms for data analytics, ensuring data security and privacy, and optimizing communication protocols between IoT devices and cloud servers.

Ultimately, research in IoT and cloud computing technologies for smart cities and rural areas seeks to create sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced environments. By harnessing the power of these technologies, the aim is to improve the quality of life for both urban and rural populations, fostering a connected and resilient future.

This Special Issue aims to publish original, significant, and visionary papers addressing challenges in IoT environments or sensor-based networks related to implementing reliable, secure, and sustainable services. Smart cities and rural areas services are the main focus in this Special Issue, avoiding the particular implementation of other environments such as industrial domain or similar ones. This Special Issue will provide a broad platform to showcase novel research on all aspects of the implementation of IoT solutions with cloud technologies serving as backend solutions for data processing. Submissions of scientific results from experts in academia and industry worldwide are strongly encouraged.

This Special Issue is envisioned to present the recent outcomes of the high-quality research steered by researchers in the application of IoT and cloud technologies to provide smart and sustainable services for smart cities and rural areas. Authors are invited to submit original papers in (but not limited to) the following areas:

• Smart services for smart cities based on IoT sensing;
• Smart services for rural areas (smart rural) on IoT sensing;
• Cloud technologies for processing IoT data;
• Edge computing application and frameworks in smart cities and rural areas;
• AI algorithms in smart services in rural areas;
• AI algorithms in smart services in Smart cities;
• The security and privacy of information management technologies for IoT;
• Secured communications channels and protocols between IoT devices and the cloud;
• Sustainable services for smart cities;
• Sustainable services for rural areas.

Prof. Dr. Rafael Pastor Vargas
Dr. Antonio Robles-Gómez
Dr. Javier Prieto
Dr. Fernando De la Prieta Pintado
Guest Editors

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