{"id":14358,"date":"2015-11-30T15:25:21","date_gmt":"2015-11-30T15:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/smart-city\/"},"modified":"2024-12-17T14:50:53","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T14:50:53","slug":"smart-city","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/smart-city","title":{"rendered":"Smart City"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span id=\"what_is_a_smart_city\">What is a Smart City?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A smart city is an urban area that uses the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28247\/internet-of-things-iot\">Internet of Things<\/a> (IoT), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/190\/artificial-intelligence-ai\">artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/28659\/big-data-analytics\">big data analytics<\/a> to manage resources more effectively, enhance operational efficiency, improve the quality of life for residents, and promote sustainable development.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City.jpg\" alt=\"What is a Smart City?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"711\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-370859\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City-1024x607.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City-768x455.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City-1536x911.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City-1200x711.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/What-is-a-Smart-City-1980x1174.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Smart cities seek to make urban operations more efficient and sustainable.<\/li>\n<li>They use technology and data to optimize infrastructure, cut costs, and improve public services.<\/li>\n<li>The concept of a &#8220;smart city&#8221; is not limited to large inner cities; it also includes suburbs and commuter towns with dense populations.<\/li>\n<li>Becoming a smart city is an ongoing journey, not a one-time event.<\/li>\n<li>It can be challenging for smart city planners to balance the benefits of keeping public data open with protecting people&#8217;s privacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"what_is_a_smart_city\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_smart_city\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">What is a Smart City?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"why_do_we_need_smart_cities\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"why_do_we_need_smart_cities\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Why Do We Need Smart Cities?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"history_of_smart_cities\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"history_of_smart_cities\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">History of Smart Cities<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_smart_cities_work\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_smart_cities_work\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How Smart Cities Work<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"smart_city_features\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_features\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Smart City Features<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"use_cases_for_smart_city_technologies\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"use_cases_for_smart_city_technologies\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Use Cases for Smart City Technologies<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"smart_city_security\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_security\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Smart City Security<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"smart_city_examples\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_examples\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Smart City Examples<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"smart_city_pros_and_cons\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_pros_and_cons\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Smart City Pros and Cons<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"references\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"what_is_a_smart_city\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_a_smart_city\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">What is a Smart City?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"why_do_we_need_smart_cities\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"why_do_we_need_smart_cities\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Why Do We Need Smart Cities?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"history_of_smart_cities\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"history_of_smart_cities\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">History of Smart Cities<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_smart_cities_work\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_smart_cities_work\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How Smart Cities Work<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"smart_city_features\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_features\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Smart City Features<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"use_cases_for_smart_city_technologies\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"use_cases_for_smart_city_technologies\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Use Cases for Smart City Technologies<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"smart_city_security\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_security\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Smart City Security<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"smart_city_examples\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_examples\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Smart City Examples<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"smart_city_pros_and_cons\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"smart_city_pros_and_cons\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Smart City Pros and Cons<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"references\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                  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pageLegendCollapse);\n\tjQuery('span.show_moretoc').click(function(){\n\t\tjQuery('span.show_moretoc').hide();\n\t   jQuery('.ms_hidetoc').show();\n\t});\n    });\n\n    \/\/ When the user clicks on the button, scroll to the top of the document\n    function btnTop() {\n        const pageLegend = document.querySelector('#multiCollapse1');\n        document.querySelector('html').classList.remove('overflow-hidden');\n        pageLegend.classList.remove('overflow-auto');\n        pageLegend.style.height = 'auto';\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: 0,\n            behavior: 'smooth'\n        });\n    }\n\n    const handleScrollToTitle = (id) => {\n        const el = document.getElementById(id);\n        const headerHeightDifference = window.innerWidth < 992 ? -30 : -15;\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: el.offsetTop - 60 - headerHeightDifference - 10,\n        });\n    }\n<\/script>\n\n<h2><span id=\"why_do_we_need_smart_cities\">Why Do We Need Smart Cities?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The United Nations projects that by 2050, over two-thirds of the world&#8217;s population<a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/desa\/around-25-billion-more-people-will-be-living-cities-2050-projects-new-un-report#:~:text=Calendar-,Around%202.5%20billion%20more%20people%20will%20be%20living%20in%20cities,urban%20planning%20and%20public%20services.\" target=\"_blank\"> will live in urban areas<\/a>. Smart cities provide a data-driven, technology-enabled approach to streamlining urban operations and improving urban life.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"history_of_smart_cities\">History of Smart Cities<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The concept of smart cities has been driven by advancements in technology and the increasing availability of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/807\/data\">data<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-table su-table-responsive su-table-alternate\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Year<\/strong><\/td>\n<th><strong>Event<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>1950s-60s<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Cities adopted early computerized systems for traffic management and utilities.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>1970s<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Computers and telecommunications technology began influencing urban planning.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>1980s<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Early &#8220;Wired City&#8221; concepts emerged; IBM developed urban management systems.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>1990s<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Urban traffic monitoring systems that used digital technologies were introduced.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2000<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Broadband Internet access became widely available, enabling many smart city technologies.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2003<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Construction of the smart city Songdo began in South Korea; London launched its Congestion Charge Zone.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2008<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>IBM launched a &#8220;Smarter Planet&#8221; initiative for smart cities; Barcelona implemented its Smart City Plan.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2009<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Google introduced smart grid technologies to optimize energy use.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2010<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>The Internet of Things became an important tool for urban planning.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2011<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Singapore launched its Smart Nation Initiative.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2015<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>The UN introduced Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); India launched a 100 Smart Cities Mission.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2016<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Autonomous vehicles and AI-driven systems underwent pilot programs in urban areas.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2018<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>Investments in smart cities exceeded $80 billion; Toronto began a smart neighborhood project with Alphabet.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2020<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation in cities; AI-enhanced resource and infrastructure management.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2021<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>There was a renewed focus on Net Zero goals and renewable energy; climate-resilient infrastructure gained traction.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>2023<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>A number of smart city projects featured citizen-centric designs.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Beyond 2024<\/strong><\/td>\n<th>6G technologies are expected to expand the use of autonomous systems; the focus will be on carbon-neutral cities powered by renewable energy.<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"how_smart_cities_work\">How Smart Cities Work<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Smart cities rely on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/12937\/network-connectivity\">network connectivity<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32099\/automation\">automation<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/26418\/data-analytics\">data analytics<\/a> to manage urban infrastructure and services efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>By collecting data from thousands of IoT sensors and user interactions with city services, smart cities can gain valuable insights into a heavily populated area&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/3-ways-ai-is-reimagining-transportation-infrastructure\">transportation infrastructure<\/a>, energy consumption, lighting requirements, waste management optimization, and public safety.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32877\/data-driven-decision-making-dddm\">make data-driven decisions<\/a> that enhance operational efficiency, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/nusantara-33bn-forest-smart-city-opening-in-august\">promote sustainability<\/a>, cut costs, and improve the urban quality of life.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"smart_city_features\">Smart City Features<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Key features of a smart city include the deployment of smart sensors and the use of IoT <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/6978\/edge-device\">edge devices<\/a> that produce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/31256\/real-time-data\">real-time data<\/a> for urban systems. This not only requires high-speed wired <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2419\/internet\">Internet<\/a> access but also ubiquitous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/wireless-fidelity-wi-fi\">Wi-Fi<\/a> availability and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/27745\/big-data\">big data<\/a> platforms that facilitate open data access and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30368\/transparency-data\">transparency<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City.jpg\" alt=\"Key Features of a Smart City\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1099\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-370863\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City-300x275.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City-1024x938.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City-768x703.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City-1536x1406.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City-1200x1099.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Key-Features-of-a-Smart-City-1980x1813.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"use_cases_for_smart_city_technologies\">Use Cases for Smart City Technologies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are some use cases for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/top-14-ai-use-cases-artificial-intelligence-in-smart-cities\/2\/34049\">how smart city initiatives are using technology<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sensors and AI are being used to optimize traffic signals in real-time and reduce traffic jams, improve commute times, and lower emissions.<\/li>\n<li>IoT-enabled trash bins can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-iot\">monitor waste levels and notify collection services<\/a> to optimize pickup routes and reduce unnecessary trips.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/692\/smart-grid\">Smart grids<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/can-the-energy-sector-keep-up-with-ai-blockchain-electric-vehicles\">energy management systems<\/a> can use real-time data to balance supply and demand, integrate renewable energy sources, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/2\/31720\/in-the-news\/5-tips-for-optimizing-energy-consumption-through-iot-and-connected-devices\">reduce energy consumption<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Sensors can detect leaks in water systems, monitor usage, and ensure efficient distribution to conserve water resources.<\/li>\n<li>Smart cameras and AI-driven analytics can enhance <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/14514\/physical-security\">physical security<\/a> by monitoring public spaces and enabling rapid emergency responses.<\/li>\n<li>Real-time tracking and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/predictive-analytics\">predictive analytics<\/a> can be used to optimize bus and train schedules, reduce wait times, and improve reliability.<\/li>\n<li>IoT sensors can track pollution levels and enable cities to take corrective actions that will improve air quality.<\/li>\n<li>Municipal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2953\/mobile-application-mobile-app\">mobile apps<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/2\/31358\/trends\/big-data\/what-is-the-open-data-platform-and-what-is-its-relation-to-hadoop\">open data platforms<\/a> can make it easier for residents to report issues, access public services, and participate in government decision-making processes.<\/li>\n<li>Adaptive streetlights can use sensors to adjust brightness based on activity or time of day and conserve energy while maintaining safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"smart_city_security\">Smart City Security<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While smart cities can provide numerous benefits, they also introduce significant security challenges. One of the primary concerns is that <strong>interconnected systems are vulnerable to <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24748\/cyberattack\"><strong>cyberattacks<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Autonomous IoT devices that rely on cloud platforms create multiple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/33810\/attack-surface\">entry points for malicious actors<\/a> to carry out an attack. Their interconnectedness means that a breach in one system could potentially disrupt an entire city&#8217;s operations.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/10380\/information-privacy\"><strong>Data privacy<\/strong><\/a> is another important issue. Smart cities collect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/2\/31447\/trends\/big-data\/how-big-data-is-helping-build-smart-cities\">vast amounts of data<\/a>, and this data often includes sensitive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4046\/personally-identifiable-information-pii\">personally identifiable information<\/a> (PII). Ensuring that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32266\/data-in-motion\">data in transit<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/29515\/data-in-use\">data in use<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/808\/data-at-rest\">data at rest<\/a> can be shared easily while protecting user data privacy is essential for preventing identity theft and maintaining public trust.<\/p>\n<p>To address these issues, smart city planners need to adopt robust <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30605\/security-framework-cloud-computing\">security frameworks<\/a> that support <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/30544\/end-to-end-encryption-e2ee\">end-to-end encryption<\/a> (E2EE), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/13657\/multi-factor-authentication-mfa\">multi-factor authentication<\/a> (MFA), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/10236\/information-security-audit\">security audits<\/a>. Also, using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/antivirus\/best-antivirus-software\">antivirus software<\/a> and other cybersecurity tools can provide a strong defense against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4015\/malicious-software-malware\">malware<\/a>, ensuring the security of both individual devices and larger networks.<\/p>\n<p>Essentially, government officials, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/22021\/service-provider\">service providers<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24747\/cybersecurity\">cybersecurity<\/a> experts will need to collaborate in order to identify <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/13484\/vulnerability\">vulnerabilities<\/a> and develop resilient defenses.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"smart_city_examples\">Smart City Examples<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imd.org\/smart-city-observatory\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\">IMD Smart City Index<\/a> (SCI) is an annual ranking that evaluates cities around the globe to assess how different types of technology have improved residents&#8217; quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Index, the top 10 smart cities in 2024 were:<br \/>\n1.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/cities-today.com\/why-zurich-comes-top-in-the-latest-smart-city-ranking\/\" target=\"_blank\">Zurich<br \/>\n<\/a> 2.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.storebrand.com\/sam\/dk\/asset-management\/insights\/solutions-spotlight-blog\/solutions-spotlight-folder\/oslo-excels-in-smart-city-index\" target=\"_blank\">Oslo<br \/>\n<\/a> 3.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeout.com\/australia\/news\/kudos-to-canberra-australias-capital-has-been-named-the-third-smartest-city-in-the-world-in-2024-052324\" target=\"_blank\">Canberra<br \/>\n<\/a> 4.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/globalcitieshub.org\/en\/smart-city-leaders-talks-in-geneva\/\" target=\"_blank\">Geneva<br \/>\n<\/a> 5.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartnation.gov.sg\/initiatives\/urban-living\/\" target=\"_blank\">Singapore<br \/>\n<\/a> 6.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beesmart.city\/en\/smart-city-blog\/copenhagen\" target=\"_blank\">Copenhagen<br \/>\n<\/a> 7.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/es.ruckusnetworks.com\/globalassets\/digizuite\/347-177-cs-city-of-lausanne.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Lausanne<br \/>\n<\/a> 8.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beesmart.city\/en\/smart-city-blog\/london-europes-smartest-city\" target=\"_blank\">London<br \/>\n<\/a> 9.\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/feature\/Helsinki-The-trailblazing-smart-city\" target=\"_blank\">Helsinki<br \/>\n<\/a> 10. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/business\/2024\/04\/09\/abu-dhabi-ranked-among-the-worlds-top-10-smartest-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\">Abu Dhabi<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"smart_city_pros_and_cons\">Smart City Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While smart cities offer many potential benefits, they also come with challenges and potential drawbacks:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-row\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Improved quality of life and better access to services<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Enhanced environmental sustainability<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Efficient resource use and cost savings<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Potential economic growth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2 pros_icons_\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Implementation and maintenance costs can be high<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Need to balance user privacy with the need to collect enough data to support automation<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Increased risk of data breaches and cyberattacks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Smart cities, by definition, aim to provide intelligent solutions for urban challenges. This goal can be achieved by integrating Internet of Things sensors and edge devices with artificial intelligence and big data analytics.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a smart city in simple words?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A smart city, meaning an urban area that relies on sensor data and big data analytics to improve the quality of life, enhances the efficiency and sustainability of urban operations and fosters economic growth. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Are there any smart cities in the US?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Yes, a number of cities in the United States, including <a href=\"https:\/\/earth.org\/new-york-smart-city\/\" target=\"_blank\">New York City<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicago.gov\/city\/en\/progs\/env\/smart-grid-for-a-smart-chicago.html\" target=\"_blank\">Chicago<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesmartcityjournal.com\/en\/cities\/smart-city-san-francisco\" target=\"_blank\">San Francisco<\/a>, have smart city initiatives designed to address urban challenges. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What does it mean to become a smart city?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Becoming a smart city means using technology and data to optimize resources, improve quality of life, and foster economic growth.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What are the 5 factors of a smart city?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Arguably, the five factors of a smart city are data-driven city planning; smart utility and transportation networks; ubiquitous internet connectivity; initiatives to reduce an urban area\u2019s carbon footprint; and open access to city data. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"reference-content\">\n<div class=\"reference-heading reference-content-collapsible-heading\">\n<h2><span id=\"references\">References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reference-content-body\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/desa\/around-25-billion-more-people-will-be-living-cities-2050-projects-new-un-report#:~:text=Calendar-,Around%202.5%20billion%20more%20people%20will%20be%20living%20in%20cities,urban%20planning%20and%20public%20services.\" target=\"_blank\">Around 2.5 billion more people will be living in cities by 2050, projects new UN report | United Nations<\/a> (Un)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imd.org\/smart-city-observatory\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\">Smart City Observatory 2024 &#8211; IMD business school for management and leadership courses<\/a> (Imd)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cities-today.com\/why-zurich-comes-top-in-the-latest-smart-city-ranking\/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Zurich comes top in the latest smart city ranking &#8211; Cities Today<\/a> (Cities-today)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.storebrand.com\/sam\/dk\/asset-management\/insights\/solutions-spotlight-blog\/solutions-spotlight-folder\/oslo-excels-in-smart-city-index\" target=\"_blank\">Oslo Excels in Smart City Index &#8211; www.storebrand.com<\/a> (Storebrand)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeout.com\/australia\/news\/kudos-to-canberra-australias-capital-has-been-named-the-third-smartest-city-in-the-world-in-2024-052324\" target=\"_blank\">Canberra is the world\u2019s third smartest city in 2024<\/a> (Timeout)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/globalcitieshub.org\/en\/smart-city-leaders-talks-in-geneva\/\" target=\"_blank\">Smart City Leaders\u2019 Talks in Geneva &#8211; Global Cities Hub<\/a> (Globalcitieshub)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartnation.gov.sg\/initiatives\/urban-living\/\" target=\"_blank\">Smart City Projects<\/a> (Smartnation.gov)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beesmart.city\/en\/smart-city-blog\/copenhagen\" target=\"_blank\">City Portrait: Smart City Copenhagen<\/a> (Beesmart)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/es.ruckusnetworks.com\/globalassets\/digizuite\/347-177-cs-city-of-lausanne.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">CITY OF LAUSANNE Wi-Fi Gives a Boost to the City of Lausanne<\/a> (Es.ruckusnetworks)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beesmart.city\/en\/smart-city-blog\/london-europes-smartest-city\" target=\"_blank\">Smart City London: Europe\u2019s Smartest City<\/a> (Beesmart)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.computerweekly.com\/feature\/Helsinki-The-trailblazing-smart-city\" target=\"_blank\">Helsinki: The trailblazing smart city | Computer Weekly<\/a> (Computerweekly)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/business\/2024\/04\/09\/abu-dhabi-ranked-among-the-worlds-top-10-smartest-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\">Abu Dhabi ranked among the world&#8217;s top 10 smartest cities | The National<\/a> (Thenationalnews)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Smart City? A smart city is an urban area that uses the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to manage resources more effectively, enhance operational efficiency, improve the quality of life for residents, and promote sustainable development. Why Do We Need Smart Cities? The United Nations projects [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7813,"featured_media":370858,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[215,256,268],"class_list":["post-14358","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-cloud-computing","definitioncat-emerging-technology","definitioncat-internet-of-things-iot"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Smart City? 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