smart cities

what do smart cities mean?

using technology and data purposefully to make better decisions and deliver a better quality of life

what kind of information is shared instantly in smart cities?

transit, traffic, health services, safety alerts, and community news

what are the benefits of smart cities?

fewer crime incidents

shorter commutes (GPS and alerts for accidents)

reduced health burden

carbon emissions averted

lives saved

what makes a city ‘smart’?

there are 3 layers:

1. technology base → critical mass of smartphones and sensors connected by networks

2. specific applications → translating raw data into alerts, insight, and action requires tools and apps (these are provided by tech providers and app developers)

3. usage by cities, companies, and the public → must be widely adopted and managed to change behavior

what are examples of a smart city?

encouraging people to:

• use transit during off-hours

• to change routes

• to use less energy and water and to do so at different times of day

• reduce strain on healthcare systems through preventative self-care

what are some quality of life dimensions in smart cities?

safety

time and convenience

health

environmental quality

social connectedness

civic participation

jobs

cost of living

quality of life: safety

traffic safety

data-driven policing

optimized emergency response

quality of life: time

public-transit apps

intelligent traffic management

new, dynamic mobility options

quality of life: health

improved chronic-disease treatment

data-driven public-health interventions

digital tools for a better patient experience

quality of life: environment

air quality monitoring

energy-use optimization

electricity, water, and waste tracking

quality of life: jobs

e-career centers, digital hiring platforms

digital administrative processes for small businesses

data-driven education, online retraining

quality of life: cost of living

digitized land-use and permitting processes

dynamic electricity pricing and usage tracking

e-hailing (a private vehicle used to provide public transport — uber, lyft, etc.)

how will of these quality of life dimensions work in commutes?

digital signage or mobile apps deliver real-time info about delays

enables riders to adjust their routes on the fly

how will of these quality of life dimensions work in infrastructures?

IoT sensors on physical infrastructure can help crews fix problems before they turn into breakdowns and delays

how will of these quality of life dimensions work in health?

apps help prevent, treat, and monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular

digital devices take vital readings and transmit them securely to doctors for assessment

can alert when intervention is needed

disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) → reflects years of life lost to early death but also productive life lost to disability or incapacity