Why are Smart Cities So Important for The Future?
I’m focused on the future cause yesterday is history
Gucci Mane
Whether it be in the rural areas or the city center, government entities interested in growing their economies as well as providing next level services are racing to be the first to accomplish their goals and why not? The advent of smart cities is captivating the world with promises of improving the quality of life of their citizens, smart cities are building stronger more resilient and connected communities, enhancing safety and efficiency on the roadways, reducing energy consumption, and much more. Smart cities are no longer the dreams of tomorrow, but active and rapidly expanding realities of today – a result of many innovative technological solutions.
The speed of innovation has helped smart cities move beyond the idea stage into reality, and this is causing a new type of increased pressure within cities. If leaders aren’t able to make swift decisions, their communities stand to be left in the dust. The future is here, and city leaders who deny it will find their economy will not be able to keep up in our ever-changing world.
There is a foundation of a well-connected, knowledgeable citizens arguing the pros and cons of rolling out the new tech, forcing telecom companies to constantly look to government to provide the assurances needed for them to roll out their latest and greatest technological achievements. Government has to pick a North Star and decide if they are going to proactively enable innovation and ensure inclusion in the equation. Much of this technology is empowering smart cities around the globe.
I’ll provide more on these increased pressures in a later post, but for now I want to dive into what a Smart City is and why I think being one is so important.
A Smart City by Definition
While a smart city can be challenging to define, a smart city is a connected city which uses technology and automation to its benefit and the benefit of its citizenry. A smart city uses the IoT (Internet of Things) including sensors, computers, systems, and machines to connect the city on every level – air above to ground beneath and all that is in between – to enhance habitability, convenience, communication, and possibilities. Smart cities are optimizers of technology and infrastructure with the goal to improve practices to meet the specific needs and improve the quality of life for the people who live within it.
The Benefits of a Smart City
Imagine your city outfitted with sensors – sensors which can talk to your car, enable your car to communicate with traffic signals, help you find deals at new restaurants as you walk down the street in a new town, or discern you need help and pin point your location for first responders. Imagine the lengths to which this technology could take us. Smart City/IoT could enable sensors in your home allowing you, while still snug in your bed, to tell your toaster how dark you want your toast.
While these applications are certainly coming to smart cities around the world, currently and most practically, smart cities improve connection and security. Through smart city mobile applications, the design was developed to get citizens involved and keep them informed via their smartphones, mobile devices, and connected homes and vehicles. Wherever the information and devices are focused, costs are reduced, sustainability is improved, and lives are enhanced because traffic jams decrease, air quality improves, energy is better allocated, and waste management is more efficient.
With the onus on the IoT, Smart Cities positively affect everyone – citizens and visitors – who immediately find themselves better connected to the information and services needed. Not only are smart cities focused on those who live and work there, they also persist in making the environment better through water and energy use, sustainability, and the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Smart Cities permit citizens and officials access to information, through the use of an exceptional infrastructure and efficient management. Communication with citizens and residents ongoing involvement is key and is used along with digital sensors around the city to collect data. The Smart Cities use the optimized data to develop models and test practical solutions in real time to increase effectiveness and experience for their communities.
Involved citizens shape solutions ideal for their Smart Cities. With the information and tools, they need, citizens are more well-connected which results in greater cooperation and enterprise – the greater good for all. The enhanced connectivity brings a plethora of options as well as unmatched success in planning and the use of resources. In addition, one of the hallmarks of a Smart City is well-organized and effective transportation – including decreased traffic, ease of access to public transportation, and more. A prime example of how Smart Cities are utilizing the IoT is Google Maps. Of course, controlling traffic and enhancing public transportation mean greater environmental friendliness in Smart Cities where providing residents with green and sustainable living solutions is paramount.
Smart Cities Now and in the Future
Smart Cities are happening now, and they are getting smarter by the month. As more and more people migrate to the cities of the world, officials and governments are hard a work to handle the influx in a smart way which ensures quality of life for everyone. Want to see one of today’s Smart Cities in action? Plan a visit now – Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dubai, Singapore, Nice, San Francisco, New York, Miami, Denver, Atlanta, and more – await.
