smart city
A smart city is an urban area that uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance the quality and performance of urban services such as energy, transportation, and utilities to reduce resource consumption, wastage, and overall costs. The overarching aim of a smart city is to improve operational efficiency, share information with the public, and improve both the quality of government services and citizen welfare[1][2][6].
Smart cities focus on optimizing city functions and promoting economic growth, while also striving to be more environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. They accomplish this by utilizing a blend of human, social, and technological resources to oversee the city's assets. These include local departments' information systems, schools, libraries, transportation systems, hospitals, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law enforcement, and other community services. [1][2]
The concept of smart cities is not static and evolves with the advancement of technology and the changing needs of the population. It encompasses a broad range of elements, from infrastructure and environmental initiatives to urban planning and the use of space, all aimed at improving the livability and sustainability of the city for its inhabitants[2][4][6].
Smart city technologies include, but are not limited to, IoT devices, smart meters, data analytics, and interconnected sensors that collect and analyze data from various sources across the city. This data is then used to improve infrastructure, public utilities and services, manage resources more efficiently, and enhance the quality of life for residents[5][6][7].
In summary, a smart city is characterized by its use of digital technology to create a more responsive, efficient, and sustainable urban environment that caters to the evolving needs of its citizens and businesses[4][6][8].
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_city
[2] https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/smart-city
[3] https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/what-is-a-smart-city
[4] https://www.imd.org/research-knowledge/technology-management/articles/what-is-a-smart-city-anyways/
[5] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/smart-cities/
[6] https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-a-smart-city