Technology Behind Smart City

What is Smart City?

As the name suggests, a smart city means a modern urban area which uses technologically modern devices such as sensors and electronic methods to collect data. The information retrieved from the data is used to handle various resources, and assets are used to develop the cities furthermore. Several info is gathered from people, devices, buildings etc., to manage and process traffic and transportation systems, water supply networks, information systems, waste, crime detection, educational and healthcare institutes, library and community services. It is termed as utilizing the physical infrastructure using artificial infrastructure and various technologies to enhance a strong and healthy community.

Technology Behind Smart City

An intelligent city comprises IoT devices, User interfaces and communication networks. Internet of Things is used in sensors, vehicles and home appliances to communicate and share data. The data received by the IoT devices are stored in the cloud or servers. Moreover, it uses data analytics to enhance both the public and private sectors for developing the economy and life of citizens. Sometimes IoT devices use edge computing technology, defined as only the most essential and relevant information being shared over the communication network. For security systems, a firewall is used to protect, monitor, and control a computing system’s network traffic. It provides security by stopping the access of the unauthorized user.

Some of the technology used in Smart City is mentioned below,

• Dashboards
• Machine Learning
• Machine to Machine
• Mesh Network
• Artificial Intelligence
• Application Programming Interfaces
• Cloud Computing

Examples of Smart City Features

The features of a smart city are based on technologies like automation, IoT and machine learning. Following are some day-to-day real life examples:

• Smart parking metre utilizes applications to direct the driver to available parking space by reducing the search time where there is no need to travel around in a crowded city. It allows the user to make digital payments.
• The next one is Smart traffic management monitors and analyzes the traffic flow of the streetlights and prevents congestion in the roadway based on time and rush hour of the day.
• Intelligent public transit is another technology used to satisfy and fulfil the rider’s need, which includes ride-sharing and bike-sharing, the various services included in intelligent city features.
• Smart sensors save energy on street lights, such as the streetlight getting dim when there is no vehicle movement or pedestrians on the road. Innovative grid technology is used to enhance maintenance planning, supply power on demand, and track energy outages.
• Climatic conditions and environmental changes are also monitored in smart city technology.
• Management of waste and sanitation is improved using innovative technology by utilizing internet-connected trash cans and IoT-enabled fleet management for waste collection and removal using sensors to measure the water parameters, which guarantees the quality of water at the front end of the system with proper wastewater removal; and drainage at the back end.
• It is used to increase public safety and eradicate high crime in the city.
• Some examples include sensors that warn citizens of floods, landslides, hurricanes and droughts. 
• Smart building is part of a smart city project where the building is designed based on real-time space management, ensuring public safety and healthy building construction. It notifies the officials if necessary, repairs are needed.
• Applications are available where people used to connect with officials regarding repairment. For example, sensors detect leakage in water systems and other piping systems, which helps save energy and wastage. Innovative city technology rules various fields like
• Urban manufacturing
• Urban farming
• Job creation
• Energy efficiency
• Space Management

Steps involved in Smart City

The steps involved in Smart City are,

1. Collection-Data is collected all over using sensors in the city
2. Analysis– Received data is analyzed to draw meaningful insights.
3. Communication-After analyzing the data, the analysis phase is discussed with decision-makers using a solid communication network.
4. Action-Creating– The solutions optimize operations and asset management, which is used to improve the quality of life for residents.

Examples of Smart Cities

Cities which implement intelligent cities are,

1. Singapore
2. London, England
3. Hong Kong, China
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In the examples mentioned above of intelligent cities, various cities implemented this technology.

Summary

In the above article, smart city technology is discussed. Innovative city technology is widely used to improve the city and is a time-saving purpose. Awareness should create to enhance the furthermore implementation of smart cities. It simplifies the work and assists people with the right solutions based on their work. This solution saves time for the people and enhances the advanced development in technology.