What is Smart City Technology?
Smart City technology is a combination of information management and real-time information systems. A smart city is an integrated urban region that uses various kinds of sensors and electronic means to gather data from all over. The collected data are then processed efficiently to provide insights on critical issues affecting the city and its people. This process of gathering and processing information results in knowledge, which solves problems and improves service delivery.
The Boom in Smart City Technology
Smart City technology is in high gear. Numerous cities across the country have already established smart city technology solutions. These cities utilize big data for the collection and analysis of information. Big data has the power to reveal trends, insights, discoveries, and even injuries. In other words, big data helps to provide the citizens with real-time insight into what is happening in their cities. The citizens can use this insight to make effective and informed decisions, which in turn, can help the city further enhance the efficiency and quality of life of citizens living in those cities.
Open Data Platforms
Smart City technologies are also associated with creating open data platforms, which allow users to access and share information about their cities. This is achieved through the implementation of various technologies like GIS, sensors, and software.
Geographical Information System
GIS is one of the most prominent forms of smart city technology used in US cities. It makes use of geographical information systems to gather information about the city’s infrastructure. For instance, GIS can help understand how traffic flows and land use varies during different hours. Through this technology, city residents can analyze the traffic patterns and understand the traffic management problems facing them during peak hours and off-peak hours of the day.
Community Safety
Safety is another facet of smart cities. One such initiative involves installing community safety devices like bulletproof vests and alert systems in local government buildings and other sensitive sites. This ensures the safety of citizens, especially the elders who may frequent such sensitive sites. In addition, installing CCTV cameras can also reduce the incidence of crime in these areas, as the cameras can detect suspicious behavior.
Broadband Connectivity
Smart cities are not complete without installing broadband connectivity in various sectors, including transportation, public utilities, financial transactions, etc. Broadband connectivity is facilitated by state-of-the-art digital city networks that link all major city centers, providing real-time information and facilitating fast, instant data transfers.
