Edge Computing Is So Fun - Part 3: Help Save The Planet With Smart Cities

 

This is the third in a series of articles on edge computing, what is a smart city, why we need the smart city, smart city challenge, a transportation system for the future, climate-smart city, technology solutions for smart city, and what do we do now. You can read part 1 here and part 2 here.

What Is Smart City

Figure 2. A Highway That Goes Through A Building. Gate Tower, Osaka, Japan. Credit: Osaka-info.jp

When we think of a smart city, many of us will think of the future city just like how they depicted it in the science fiction movies: a city filled with high-rise buildings, roads going through buildings (Please see Figure 2), and autonomous vehicles, etc. While some of it might be true, science fiction might have given rise to misconceptions about smart cities. So what is a smart city? According to Wikipedia, “A smart city is an urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect data. Insights gained from that data are used to manage assets, resources, and services efficiently; in return, that data is used to improve the operations across the city.”

However, a smart city is not just about data and technology. It is about using technology to solve problems, provide better services, and make life better for everyone. For some cities, it is about improving transportation and accessibility, improving social services, and promoting sustainability. Read More...