Social web as urban sensors: feasibility of user-generated internet-based data as a source for quality of life indicators

Quality of life has been a social concern along the civilizations’ history. Its intrinsic subjectivity and multidimensionality makes its measurement highly complex. In addition, the data availability to address the quality of life monitoring is limited due to its high costs, in money and time. The proposed research will focus on the use of data facilitated by new web technologies (Web 2.0) and generated by citizens, as a potential data source to feed quality of life indicators. As a result, methods will be developed that allow understanding quality of life in urban areas, by the use of non-official data generated by citizens and offered by internet.