Big data refers to large and varied collections of data. The data can come from different sources, contain a variety of information, and vary in size. Once collected, big data can be analyzed for patterns to help develop predictions.

Data can be simple or complex. Information from a bike count sensor along a path can grow in scale as each new day passes. With each new path being monitored, the data grows. So, while each information source itself may be small, the collection as a whole is quite large.

Regarding analytics, the city might analyze this data to determine which paths needs to be de-iced first during winter. It could also cross reference car traffic data to determine necessary safety precautions to keep both drivers and bikers safe on the streets.

With the smartwatches growing more popular, personalized health data is being collected. Heart rate, sleep patterns, movements, and other habits are being collected. What things do you think could be learned from analyzing such data?