Advances in data analysis and cloud storage technologies present ever-increasing opportunities to collect and process information. And with wireless technologies, cameras and sensors accessible and inexpensive as they are, a large number of objects are now online—even some children’s toys!
This progress lets us dream of hyper-connected infrastructure that can generate data in real time and create value for cities and their citizens. This represents enormous opportunities for making better use of municipal resources, meeting the needs of residents and generating savings. Some cities around the world already stand out through cutting-edge programs that foster evolutionary leaps forward on top of inspiring others to make the most of available tools.
The Internet of Things is everywhere! Do you know where, how and why it’s involved? Here’s an overview:
- Road congestion
Intelligent transport systems use various sensors to detect congestion and problem areas in traffic. In addition, with cameras monitoring violations, cities can collect real‑time information to improve the safety and flow of transport. - Water management
Sensors can detect leaks or pressure changes in pipelines to determine whether water-carrying infrastructure is in proper working order or needs maintenance. - Parking
Coordination between apps and intelligent parking terminals lets people know easily when and where they can park. Takes a load off, doesn’t it? - Bridges and infrastructure
Sensors on bridge, road and overpass structures can send data to the engineers responsible for their maintenance. - Self-driving car navigation
Driverless cars can carry people within and around the city while their passengers are otherwise occupied. - Waste management
Sensors can transmit information on the amount of waste in public receptacles to optimize collection routes. No more overflowing trash cans! - Fire prevention
Sensors monitor areas prone to fires and can alert firefighters when necessary. - Lighting
LED bulbs that adapt to weather conditions and can send a signal when they need to be changed? Cool! - Power generation
Power generation facilities can be monitored by various systems to detect hazardous situations or schedule maintenance. - Logistics and transport
Intelligent logistics and inventory management systems optimize transport and help the environment by reducing vehicle mileage. Municipal fleets are also managed more easily thanks to the vehicles themselves sending out data. - Drones
The use of drones opens up a huge range of possibilities for cities. Able to take on many roles from inspecting infrastructure to helping fight fires, these devices are definitely part of the future! - Surveillance
Surveillance cameras play an active role in safeguarding order in cities, especially in areas with less police coverage. Cameras can also be worn by officers to record images in real time during events.
TEAMWORK TO BETTER SERVE CITIES
All these possibilities and innovations are just the beginning! People and objects will be able to transmit even more data to feed various systems designed to improve citizens’ quality of life. Cities can develop applications and provide sensors or other devices to citizens so they can participate in the data ecosystem. Beyond all these possibilities, certain issues are emerging for urban centres:
- Proving the relevance of data emanating from connected objects
- Being able to connect the many sources and the large amount of data being produced
- Managing access to data to ensure that it is viewed by the right people
- Efficiently transmitting and integrating data into different management systems
The cities of the future will definitely be connected to people and objects! The impetus for this connection will come from a desire to better serve their population, meet current needs and anticipate the future.
Consortech is proud to be taking part in this movement with its cutting-edge expertise in geospatial data processing. Our team is at the forefront of the information technology that will drive our cities’ evolution. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!