by Wendy Dessler, Super-Connector at OutreachMama
In the past people thought of a modern city as one that could be compared with New York or London. Because of increased innovation and technological changes over the last few decades, many cities around the world have not only become highly urbanized, but have also become smart cities.
What is a Smart City?
Until now, there is still a debate as to the exact definition of smart city. Nevertheless, we will simplify it, so it won’t be that complicated.
What do you think is the difference between a cellular phone and a smart phone? When cellular phones were introduced, people were amazed at how they were used to make a call and send text messages to people in remote places.
Little did we know that smart phone innovation would exist. The reason why we call it smart phone is because a lot of technological components are integrated into this phone. It means you can not only call and send text messages, but also connect to the internet, capture images, record videos, and more.
Smart cities work in a similar way. A smart city is a city that is integrating information and communication technology (ICT) with local facilities to increase the standard of living in its locality.
How Do Smart Cities Change Life?
In most big cities, almost all aspects of everyday affairs are powered by information and communication technology. Look around and you will notice that almost everything is connected with ICT. These things are:
- Traffic Lights
- CCTV Cameras
- ATM Machines
- Paging Systems
- RFID’s
- WiFi Zones
- Weather Control
- Telephone Lines
- Cable Systems
Take for example, the interconnection among cable systems, telephone lines, and WiFi. This is an example of ICT integration in a particular city, and a city that has efficient integration of almost all such components is called a smarty.
Smart Cities Are Rising.
In the advent of technology the number of smart cities around the world has been increasing. These cities have begun implementing mega projects to create systems that will connect all local institutions that also involve the public.
Even in the process of implementing such projects, big cities also upgrading their infrastructure and in doing so needs to replace and put in new systems to run fiber optics and need systems like the light weight trench box. Existing ICT technology is also incorporated in almost all city projects.
All these imply that smart cities are rising everywhere around the world.
Advantages of ICT Integration
- Public service becomes more efficient
- Safety and security are enhanced
- Technical issues are addressed immediately
- Local planning becomes systematic
Disadvantages.
Aside from a budget concern, the only issue that ICT integration with other technology components is an accidental shutting down of most facilities that are connected among one another. This is rare, and it may happen only in extreme calamity. There have also been concerns about the making smart cities cyber safe, which is being dealt with by non-profit agencies.
The Future of Smart Cities.
If you look at the way technological innovation is developing year on year, you will not be surprised that many undeveloped towns these days will soon become smart cities, and the smart cities today will continue to innovate to become future models of urban development.
Conclusion.
Smart gadgets are the prototype of smart cities. They both become smart creations because of ICT. Furthermore, they become smarter and smarter as time goes by. In the case of smart cities, development in many aspects will continue to accelerate. Therefore, they should prepare for bigger projects in the near future.
Wendy Dessler is a super-connector with OutreachMama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.
