What is a Smart City?
A smart city is uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare.
The main goal of a smart city is to optimise city functions and promote economic growth while also improving the quality of life for citizens by using smart technologies and data analysis. The value lies in how this technology is used rather than simply how much technology is available.
A city’s smartness is determined using a set of characteristics, including:
- An infrastructure based around technology
- Environmental initiatives
- Effective and highly functional public transportation
- Confident and progressive city plans
- People able to live and work within the city, using its resources
The success of a smart city relies on the relationship between the public and private sectors as much of the work to create and maintain a data-driven environment falls outside the local government remit. For example, smart surveillance cameras may need input and technology from several companies.
Aside from the technology used by a smart city, there is also the need for data analysts to assess the information provided by the smart city systems so that any problems can be addressed and improvements found.
IoT plays a key role in smart cities by connecting physical devices—such as streetlights, parking meters, and environmental sensors—to the internet. This connectivity allows cities to gather data on everything from air quality to traffic flow, enabling data-driven decisions that improve services for residents and businesses. For example, IoT-enabled smart parking systems can help drivers find available spaces more easily, reducing congestion and emissions, while smart waste bins can signal when they need to be emptied, making waste collection more efficient.
Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) is a wireless communication technology designed for long-range, low-power applications, making it ideal for smart cities. It enables the connection of numerous IoT devices, such as sensors and meters that transmit low amounts of data, across large urban areas with minimal energy consumption. LPWAN can support smart city initiatives like traffic monitoring, environmental monitoring, and efficient energy use by providing real-time data, improving decision-making, and reducing operational costs. Its scalability and low maintenance make it a key enabler of sustainable, connected urban infrastructure.
AI enhances smart city operations by analysing the vast amounts of data collected from IoT devices. AI-driven systems can predict traffic patterns, optimize energy usage in buildings, and even improve public safety by identifying potential risks in real time. For businesses, AI can streamline operations, reduce costs, and support better decision-making. For residents, AI-powered services can lead to better transportation options, lower energy bills, and enhanced public services, making cities more livable and sustainable.