A framework for contextual mediation in mobile and ubiquitous computing applied to the context-aware adaptation of maps

Context has many aspects, which may vary widely, such as the device, environment and user. The perception of data in different contexts also varies widely. We present a new, flexible approach to meeting needs and limits arising from context: contextual mediation. In this paper limits are defined as goals over managed system resources. These can be met by the selection of data, taking into account preferences over its semantic and syntactic properties. The specification of this selection is presented in detail and the supporting framework is described. We illustrate our description with examples from a context-aware map application and present experimental results and experiences which demonstrate that contextual mediation enhances the usability of the application in restrictive contexts of use.