A smart city is defined as, “an urban area that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information used to manage assets and resources efficiently. This includes data collected from citizens, devices, and assets that is processed and analyzed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law enforcement, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals, and other community services.”

We need smart cities (even entire countries) to deal with our massive population. Billions of people means heavy, heavy consumption rates and therefore a considerable toll on the environment. With real-time urban informatics obtained by sensors, networks, and citizen engagement, developed cities can become platforms for improved environment, safety, transportation, utilities and buildings. (This infographic says it all.) 

We think smart cities should have a residential side, too. Eye-Intelligence can improve community centers because it can be used to learn about the population’s preferences while they’re in a specific area.

Integrating this type of technology into physical space isn’t as impossible as it might sound. According to the aforementioned infographic, in 2011, there were 5 billion mobile subscriptions worldwide. One’s phone has truly become the best way to reach them, and sometimes, it comes down to a simple question of access. Through multiple platforms and services, phones become a medium for the urban poor to better manage their environment:

Smart cities don’t just make life easier -- they also help save money. According to Adweek, 

“While upgrading all 160,000 streetlights in Los Angeles with remote monitoringand smart controls will cost about $14 million, the city is saving $8 million peryear by switching to more energy-efficient LED bulbs, according to CNN Money.The technology alerts city employees when bulbs are out, but eventually, it maygather reams of valuable information about air quality, traffic patterns and morepertinent information for improving the city’s quality of life.”

New York is also becoming a smart city. The setup of LinkNYC locations began in 2016: each one being a kiosk where visitors can obtain high-speed Wi-Fi. Beyond being a utility, the kiosks also double as opportunities for advertisers. 

The smart city is cost-efficient. Not only does it solve problems, but it can also improve security and is the best way to communicate with your citizens.

Our technology at Eye-In Media can likewise be deployed toward the creation of a smart city. Our omnichannel solution is meant to gather data in a seamless fashion, and it can be set up anywhere.