As smart technology progresses, cities can use it to become more efficient and sustainable. Cities can monitor infrastructure while collecting real-time data about traffic congestion, air quality issues, public transit needs and much more.
New York City is making use of smart sensors in key locations across the city to collect information and develop digital solutions to enhance city services, such as retrofitting old phone booths into smart hubs equipped with WiFi capabilities and charging stations.
Singapore
Singapore is making significant investments in futuristic infrastructure to promote urban development, resilience and sustainability. They are using digital public infrastructure within its cityscape while collecting urban data via sensors.
Data obtained through these sensors are then utilized to support evidence-based decision-making and improve government services. Residents can make payments for food and drinks using smartphone apps or use bank accounts to purchase public transport tickets using the SGQR code system.
Singapore invests heavily in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to equip its citizens for future work opportunities. Furthermore, this country is pioneering smart technologies to assist seniors and those with disabilities – such as the Sensei Care Kit which allows caregivers to remotely monitor the wellbeing of elderly residents.
Kansas City
Smart cities use information and communication technology (ICT) to optimize government services and foster interaction between citizens. Their value depends on their use of data for job creation, quality of life enhancement and economic expansion.
Some smart city technologies include sensors installed on public transit vehicles and parking meters that monitor demand for parking spaces, and applications developed specifically for smart cities can use that data to direct ridesharing services or adjust streetlights to reduce energy consumption during rush hour.
Smart cities use real-time data to make decisions regarding issues like water and waste management, public safety and transportation. But real world cultures remain key drivers of residents’ engagement. That’s why KC’s business community remains committed to cultivating an inclusive, vibrant community for everyone who calls KC home.
Seattle
Seattle takes advantage of cutting-edge smart technology to enhance its residents’ quality of life. By employing sensors, smart devices, and advanced software solutions to reduce costs while improving sustainability. Furthermore, Seattle can reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and energy use; all while cutting costs.
Connecting citizens easily allows them to interact with both each other and government officials, giving them more control over their daily lives and giving them a chance to share ideas or offer input into local government projects.
Smart cities must make open data available to everyone, implementing tools to facilitate cross-departmental collaboration and providing education on how to use this information for personal benefit. Such initiatives will help decrease vehicle ownership rates and thus lower air pollution levels.
Seoul
Seoul achieved industrialization at half the rate of most European cities; therefore it can now be considered a smart city by employing digital solutions for urban transport networks, energy usage, water management and public safety management.
Data collection, analysis and communication form the core of any smart city. Once that step has been accomplished, the next step involves applying those insights and connecting citizens and companies alike with one another.
Environmental sensors can alert city authorities if environmental sensors detect a decrease in air quality, alerting caseworkers and local residents accordingly. Furthermore, when parking spaces become scarce in a city, people can use mobile apps to quickly find open spots quickly and conveniently.
New York
Smart cities are defined as urban environments that combine Internet connectivity, data collection, and cutting-edge technology to enhance municipal operations while simultaneously using those tools to engage the networked public and facilitate their participation in creating bottom-up, innovative changes.
Street-mapping systems that utilize computer vision sensors capture traffic flow information, providing New Yorkers with real-time route directions and anticipating road closures – helping reduce fatalities while simultaneously increasing pedestrian safety and efficiency.
City officials also host a smart technology pilot program to assist private-sector innovators understand how their technologies can positively affect city residents and government services. Through OTI, applicants receive financial support, partnership agreements and technical assistance in testing their technologies in city infrastructure while sharing data with its agencies.