What is the meaning of smart cities?

• “Smart cities” is a term that refers to municipalities or urban metropolises that are using advanced technology to improve delivery of services and quality of life for citizens.
• Smart cities use sensor-enabled devices to collect a wide variety of data points – everything from energy consumption to traffic patterns and from the stability of infrastructure to the availability of parking spaces. Analytics platforms transform vast amounts of data into actionable intelligence that can enable the city to deliver services more efficiently and effectively, and that help citizens get the information they need to improve the quality of their daily lives.
   

The term “smart cities” is used with increasing frequency today to describe the technologies and programs that municipalities are deploying to transform city government and its services. But what is the meaning of smart cities, exactly, and what are the benefits of smart city technology for local governments and their citizens? This brief article, “What is the meaning of smart cities?”, is designed to provide a quick overview of the term and the technology that is rapidly gaining acceptance in cities throughout the country and in the world.

What is the meaning of smart cities?

“Smart cities” refers to urban environments where the local government has adopted technology designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided to residents. Smart cities employ advanced technologies to gather large amounts of data that can help to automate and improve management of transportation, utilities, infrastructure, public safety and civic engagement.

What is the meaning of smart cities infrastructure?

Smart cities infrastructure typically falls into several categories:

• Data-producing technology like sensors, cameras and GPS devices.
• A network with enough speed and bandwidth to connect these devices and transmit data.
• An analytics platform that can process and analyze vast amounts of data to produce actionable intelligence.
• Interfaces such as software programs, dashboards and interactive screens that provide employees with information to improve government services and functions, and that provide residents with valuable information.
   

What is the meaning of smart cities intelligent transportation programs?

Intelligent transportation programs of smart cities are focused on alleviating traffic congestion, reducing commute times, minimizing carbon emissions and improving the safety of roadways for drivers, bikers and pedestrians. Smart traffic lights adapt to real-time traffic conditions, timing signals to move traffic along more quickly and signaling drivers when pedestrian and bikers are present. Smart parking programs use sensors, GPS and payment data to help drivers find parking spots more easily and to facilitate parking enforcement.

What is the meaning of smart cities initiatives for public safety?

Public safety initiatives in smart cities are designed to help protect citizens from crime and accidents and to improve response times of emergency responders. Technology like visual surveillance helps law enforcement identify and apprehend criminals, while wearable cameras promote transparency and positive interaction between citizens and police officers. Monitors on critical infrastructure help to proactively identify safety issues, and drone monitoring of traffic, crowds, construction sites and disaster areas provides documentation of conditions and supports the needs of first responders.

What is the meaning of smart cities utility management?

Smart cities programs for managing utilities are designed to reduce consumption and manage the delivery of energy more efficiently. Smart waste management technology alerts sanitation crews when dumpsters or recycling bins need to be emptied, while smart water management programs help with conservation efforts by identifying leaks and improving service. Smart grid technology makes the delivery of electricity more efficient and cost-effective, and smart lighting technology improves illumination of public spaces while reducing energy consumption.

What is the meaning of smart cities programs for civic engagement?

Smart cities make it easier for citizens to interact with city services and government departments by providing safe and secure access to digital platforms and tools that citizens can use to conduct business and get the information they need. Smart kiosk technology in public spaces can provide help with wayfinding, information about local events, access to charging stations and WiFi, and connections to emergency services when needed.

What is the meaning of smart cities infrastructure from Spectrum Enterprise?

Spectrum Enterprise is a leading provider of connectivity solutions to the largest businesses and cities in the nation. To support smart cities initiatives, Spectrum Enterprise has invested heavily in the infrastructure required to provide 100 Gbps connectivity for enterprises and governments, as well as gigabyte connections for businesses and residences. Spectrum Enterprise provides access to one of the nation’s largest LTE cellular networks, more than 350,000 WiFi hotspots, and a two-way interactive digital network of over 840,000 miles of networking infrastructure.

Learn more about Spectrum Smart Cities at www.spectrumsmartcities.com.