What is a smart city? By asking this question, we already arrive at a presumption: a smart city is a singular, defined entity that can be picked up and implemented in its entirety. To be a smart city, all hardware must have Internet of Things (IoT) connections, all software must be interconnected, and all isolated elements must be redefined and realigned simultaneously.
However, this is not how any new initiative works unless you begin with a clean slate. Since no two cities possess the same framework, statistics, history, infrastructure, or fundamental requirements, a blank-slate approach cannot be used for the majority of cities.
In order to create a smart city, urban strategies must be shifted from a set-and-forget notion to an integrated strategy that customizes all the accessible technologies to match the scope, complexity, vitality, and personality of each existing city.
That is the true definition of a smart city.
Understanding the Meaning of Smart Cities
The term “smart city” first appeared at the close of the 20th century, coinciding with the introduction of new communication strategies and technologies for city administration. As a newly developed idea, the term is still evolving and being revised frequently.
A smart city is an intricate, interconnected system that uses new technologies to more efficiently manage a wide range of city services, such as both private and public transportation systems, water and energy resources, civil defense plans, the functioning of public and commercial spaces, and event communications.
It is essential to observe that the variety of smart city initiatives a city may undertake is vast and expanding. Due to the lack of a universally acknowledged definition of “smart city,” a wide variety of themes have been categorized under the term “smart city” with considerable flexibility. In the end, turning into a smart city is an ongoing process; there is no metropolis that has accomplished everything and has nothing left to finish.
What are the Defining Characteristics of a Smart City?
Today, there is a shift in thinking, away from “what is a smart city” and to “how does one make cities smarter?” To that end, there are five characteristics that add to the cognitive intelligence of urban infrastructure and make it suitable for a better quality of civilian life:
1. Efficient transportation and better commutes
Smart cities prioritize efficiency. Transportation is a significant efficiency drain for many. With IoT-enabled means of transportation such as autonomous vehicles, smart parking meters, and real-time traffic surveillance, however, residents of certain smart cities have reclaimed time and efficiencies — for themselves. It also leads to fewer accidents, shorter commutes, and adaptive traffic routing in real time.
2. Better waste management systems
Waste generation has always been a significant issue in urban areas. In a typical metropolis, resources such as refuse collection can only be extended so far, rendering rubbish collection inaccessible to many. However, smart cities use Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to detect refuse volumes and figure out who needs garbage collection and who does not. This enables waste collectors to optimize their itineraries and service a greater number of companies and residences.
3. The adoption of smart grids and other utilities systems
Smart cities may track water levels, allowing city authorities to detect water breaches immediately. With IoT-powered LED lamp posts that adjust their luminosity based on the time of day and weather conditions, city illumination might also become increasingly intelligent and cost-effective. Smart cities are also implementing a “smart grid,” in which energy consumption is analyzed to provide optimum power supply at the right time and place.
4. Less exposure to pollutants
Smart cities may successfully track carbon dioxide (CO2) pollutants and vehicular pollution using air pollution sensors. This surveillance enables city residents to alter their traffic patterns to avoid inhaling contaminants, airborne diseases, and other contaminants that can be harmful to their health.
5. Citizen safety
IoT-powered street cameras, body cameras, and dashcams on commercial vehicles are employed to track activity and share data in real time. This IoT data provides the information necessary for emergency responders or city officials to identify, react to, and avoid road accidents, infractions, traffic congestion, and possibly even potholes!
Keep in mind that cities do not need to fulfill 100% of all of these characteristics – investment in any of these directions helps urban centers progress towards becoming smarter, more efficient, and better suited for a good quality of life.
How Does a Smart City Work?
Whether it is an entire city or a single urban process, the operating principles behind a smart city are as follows:
- Data gathering: Smart sensors, as well as IoT endpoints, collect data in real time.
- Real-time and historical data analysis: Analysis of the data yields insights into the functioning of city infrastructure and operations.
- Alerts: The outcomes of the data processing are relayed to decision-makers and/or automated systems.
- Optimization: Improvements are made to operations, asset management, and the quality of life for city residents.
Combining traditional information and communications technology (ICT) with the Internet of Things (IoT) combines real-time information from connected assets, items, and devices to enhance decision-making.
Citizens may engage and communicate with smart city ecosystems via mobile applications, smart cars, and connected structures. By integrating devices, data, and city infrastructure, it is feasible to reduce costs and enhance sustainability. Consequently, smart cities expedite urban processes like energy distribution and garbage removal, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance air quality.
3 Notable Smart City Examples
For inspiration, here are three cities that show an exemplary use of IoT and smart city operations:
1. Oslo in Norway
The smart city of Oslo is committed to fostering an environmentally friendly, sustainable environment. The city possesses over 650,000 LED lights which are all linked to processing stations and can intelligently modify the quantity of illumination based on current lighting requirements. The city of Oslo has also committed to converting every car in the city to electric by 2025. Oslo’s smart city cycle routes are another noteworthy characteristic of this city.
2. Dubai in the UAE
Dubai is currently on track to become a smart city by the end of this decade or even earlier. Nearly 90 government services are now available digitally via the DubaiNow app. There are three autonomous police facilities in the city where individuals can pay fines and file reports without interacting with an officer. The recent construction of a 31-foot-tall, 6,889-sq-ft concrete building via a 3D printer is indicative of how the emirate intends to construct future structures.
3. Singapore in Asia
Singapore is recognized globally as being at the forefront of intelligent technology. This has included the transition to a digital medical and healthcare system, which has normalized video consultations and introduced wearable IoT devices for remote patient monitoring. Using sensors, the Smart Nation initiative of Singapore seeks to digitally compile citywide data. In addition, it intends to construct a vehicle-free forest community with five residential districts and 42,000 residences, as well as secure zones for cyclists and pedestrians.
Conclusion
There are impediments that must be overcome despite the fact that smart cities offer numerous advantages. These consist of government officials who encourage widespread citizen participation. The private and public sectors must also align with residents in order for everyone to contribute positively to the community as a whole.
Additionally, smart city data must be anonymized to prevent privacy issues.
Thousands or millions of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices must connect and operate collectively, posing the greatest challenge. Besides technology, smart cities have to take into account cultural, social, and human variables.
However, governments around the world could be – and are – navigating these challenges through better planning, the right technology partners, and targeted education for its citizens. As the role of IoT in smart cities becomes clear, expertise in this field will be essential for making it a success, just as in smart factories.
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