An approach to sensor data is based on scenes. One aspect concerns a computer-implemented method for specifying and obtaining a variety of sensor data and processed sensor data related to a scene. The method incorporates a Scene-based API that uses SceneModes and SceneData. An application requesting sensor data communicates a SceneMode to a group of one or more sensor devices and/or sensor modules via the Scene-based API. The SceneMode determines the SceneData to be captured or provided by the sensor group, which typically includes different types of sensor data related to the Scene and also further processed or analyzed data. The application receives the SceneData from the sensor group via the Scene-based API, with the SceneData organized into SceneShots which are samples of the Scene.