Smart cities, Big Data, and the Built Environment: What's required?

The growing needs of a rapidly urbanizing world had already ensured that technology takes centre stage. However, an important outcome of the COVID – 19 outbreak is the realization of how much of a significant role technology is set to play in the overall progress of a nation. Due to the global pandemic, the accelerated adoption of technology has become the writing on the wall, clear to economies across the world highly impacted by its advent and in its aftermath. The completely unprecedented unexpected crisis threw the world off-kilter awakening the need to have a digital universe in place that can withstand and weather any such future challenges while protecting the socio-economic factors.

The smart city model does that and more. A smart city, by definition, engages various technologies to enhance the performance and service levels of energy, education, health, water, transportation, infrastructure, and urban development. Thereby leading to a reduction in costs, efficient usage, and optimal management of resources. Smart cities also help in reducing carbon footprint with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT), compressing unnecessary usage or consumption of resources. A recent new technology that has the potential to augment smart city performance is Big data analytics. It allows to sense and control capabilities through the use of data.

Utilizing data analytics can aide in predicting and managing conditions in a controlled environment. Given the fact that the extent of technological involvement is heightened, big data translates into increased monitoring and control of systems. This results in a better regulatory framework through the automation of big data to supplement operators. All this is done through the creation of a digital twin using big data.

The digital replica allows the analysis of data to prevent problems before they occur. It enables us to have control over our city performance systems. This can only occur when the smart city is working on a network that relies on accurate predictions and data analysis. The confluence of smart cities, big data, and the built environment allow for complete governance of city performance systems.

Big data enables the collection and collation of data by leveraging machine learning algorithms that facilitate intuitive and smoother functioning. Data and analytics can be used to generate insights that can be utilized for making informed and accurate decisions. It can help deal with challenges that are unpredictable and unparalleled.

Smart cities, big data, and the built environment are inextricably tied -up. A smart city leverages big data and the built environment to deliver value addition in economic, environmental, and social terms spheres. In a smart city, information and communication technologies work together to augment service, ensure citizens’ well-being, maintain ecological balance, and create socio-economic progress.

The Indian government impetus on ‘Smart Cities Mission’ had previously directed the spotlight on building resilient sustainable cities that are ready for the future. With the National Infrastructure Pipeline or NIP, the government’s reiterated its intent to invest in smart city infrastructure for mobility, entertainment, business, high-quality river-front, safety and waste-water collection, treatment/recycling. The NIP underpinned the government’s commitment to providing affordable and clean energy, digital services, quality of education, convenient and efficient transportation and logistics, housing and water supply for all, disaster resilient standards compliant public infrastructure, doubling farmer income and good health and well-being for all citizens.

However, it must be ensured that along with a robust infrastructure, there is a pool of skilled and qualified professionals ready to work and operate in smart cities. It is imperative that professionalism is encouraged and recognized through global accreditations. There must exist a regulatory framework that governs the code of conduct for various professions. New-age skills development should also be a focus. International standards should be followed to give the confidence to cross border investors. All these factors will bring transparency, trust, assurance, and aide in fulfilling the government’s vision of smart cities.