Everyone has heard of smart cities these days, but no one really knows what it is. It is a modern urban area that employs technology to collect data and information in order to improve people’s quality of life. IoT devices are used to manage everything in a specific place, from resources to assets. The advantage of using such devices is that data collection becomes simpler. Even if someone fails to provide information, the sensors detect the problem and notify the authorities in a timely manner.
There is no other way to transform traditional cities into smart cities other than technology. Several cities around the world are already using technology in ways that put them ahead of others, including New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. However, some countries are taking baby steps, such as Pakistan, where the Capital Smart City project was launched in Islamabad. It is the first smart city in Islamabad and Pakistan.
The question here is, how does it all work? What types of technologies are critical if technology is used to make cities smarter? The details are as followed:
Internet of Things (IoT)
The foundation of a smart city is this technology. Any smart city project will fail if it does not include IoT. It is a device that connects all of the city’s objects and devices.
The developers link them to the devices in order to collect various types of data and information from the city. It gives authorities an idea of what is going on around them and gives them enough time to take appropriate action.
ICT
ICT is an abbreviation for Information and Communication Technology. It’s a two-way communication channel that’s desperately needed in cities. The authorities or government must be aware of the needs of the residents. Also, residents should be mindful of what their government is up to.
Communication makes it easier for the government to provide the resources that are needed in each city or area. All of this eventually eliminates the possibility of wasting any asset that is desperately needed these days. It can even help to resolve conflicts between citizens and the government.
Smart Transportation
The smart transportation service will not only be used for public transportation but will also play a role in making traffic lights and parking smart.
Why not illustrate this point with examples? Individuals in smart cities do not have to wait for buses or trains because apps notify them when the next one is on its way. Drivers can also use technology to determine which routes have the most passengers, and so on.
Similarly, when parking a vehicle, a person will be aware of which spots are available due to the app. It will save a lot of time and even petrol, which is a limited resource. Because you don’t have to go around the entire parking lot looking for an open spot.
Sensors
Sensors are another critical component of a smart city. These are small devices that collect data from various mediums such as traffic lights, garbage disposal, energy, and so on. The device can even detect the quality of the air.
All the information gathered by the sensors allows the authorities to make the right decision.
Smart Energy
Energy waste is at its peak in traditional cities. If we were to discuss things in figures, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the energy wastage is 34%. There are some areas where the availability of energy is limitless, and others where there isn’t enough for everyone. All of this occurs because resources are not distributed in accordance with the requirements. Such issues will be addressed in smart cities.
To begin with, LED lights will be used to save energy. In addition, sensors will be installed to determine how much energy is required at any given time. Furthermore, smart meters will be installed in every commercial and residential building.
The above discussed are the key drivers that make a smart city the best and give humans a chance to do better in the future. Everyone knows that the population of the world is increasing so fast, and it is high time to use technology in a way that we human beings are able to use available resources for the benefit of everyone without wasting them.
