Measurability, Representation and Interpretation of Spatial Usage in Knowledge-Sharing Environments - A Descriptive Model Based on WiFi Technologies.

The paper explores the potential of using available WiFi networks as an input for a space-use analysis model capable of describing observing, recording and quantifying and visualizing spatial usage and users' spatial behaviours in knowledge-sharing scenarios and correlating this information to spatial structure. Knowledge-sharing scenarios are defined as physical locations where people go for acquiring, transmitting and producing knowledge carrying mobile devices functioning as location probes. The proposed model is based on a crossover of Space Syntax and Spatial Information Visualization. Emerging spatial patterns of knowledge-sharing are identified by combining spatial description with spatial information visualization. The paper considers the representation of inputs acquired by WiFi network of Instituto Superior Tecnico campus using FLUX* visualization platform; the comparison between patterns of spatial configuration and user mobility and the discussion of the proposed space-use analysis model potential.