The Growth of Smart City Technology, Smart City technology is rapidly taking shape as governments worldwide look to apply the lessons learned in the technological boom of the Information Age to cities. In the United States, however, there is a certain hesitation to adopt an innovation-led approach. As a result, many communities have implemented solutions that serve the public rather than focusing on technology. Smart City initiatives can help this trend toward innovation and implementation. A truly smart strategy will take the public’s desires into account, weigh potential technologies against existing infrastructure, and
then integrate them with existing systems.
The Smart City initiative
The Smart City initiative is premised on the notion that smart cities are not places of transition; they are destinations. Their success hinges on their ability to create a deep and lasting relationship with the public and private sectors. In doing so, they become sustainable over the long term. A smart city provides solutions for the sustainable development of our society and our planet. Its success depends on its capacity to form a meaningful partnership between the public and private sectors.
The Smart City Technology Plan, the plan proposes several different approaches to addressing some of the most pressing issues of congestion, including traffic management, vehicle maintenance, and parking, and environmental management. The idea is to combine these strategies through a comprehensive system that would provide real-time information on traffic and pedestrian activity and improve congestion management. The traffic plan is designed to reduce rush hour traffic by increasing vehicle efficiency and slowing the rate of vehicles using freeways and main highways. Many studies have shown that reducing rush hour traffic by a quarter can reduce rush-hour commutes by up to 20% and improve overall traffic flow rates.
Parking Management
Parking management is another area that Smart City Technology is making its mark on cities around the world. One of the driving forces behind this type of planning is that traffic should be managed more effectively, especially in urban areas where parking is an issue. Vehicles tend to idle in urban areas, creating a problem with public transportation. Parking is often very limited in the core of an urban area, while outer and Midtown areas are often full to the brim with cars, trucks, buses, and RVs. A Smart City Technology approach would use data provided by sensors to pinpoint spaces that are not used and could be converted into extra space with additional spaces or new amenities such as bike parks and greenways. Some cities are even experimenting with satellite technologies that relay emergency information to local police authorities in an emergency.
Sustainability
Another important area where smart city technology can make a difference in sustainability. Today, people are becoming more aware of their impact on the planet, and cities recognize that sustainability cannot be achieved without positive citizen participation. A smart strategy would give citizens the ability to “help save the planet” with sustainable consumption choices. One example might be the implementation of a wireless connectivity strategy that allows citizens to track their recycling habits, purchase reusable bags, and indicate their willingness to go “green.