World's most futuristic cities
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A number of international capitals are leaders in using 'smart' technologies--citywide high-speed Internet access, for example--to improve the lives of their citizens. A recent BBC report lists the 10 innovative cities that have leapt most boldly into the future.
Boston: One of the oldest cities in the United States of America (USA), Boston has various parts wired with acoustic sensors to detect and pinpoint locations of gunshots. Known as the 'ShotSpotter', the system is designed to detect locations of violence like gunshots in the city. With 222 such sensors around the city, this system also aids in detecting biological weapons.
Apart from crime, the city is also equipped to track greenhouse emissions and also has a software to predict the maintenance needed in sewer systems.
Dublin: The capital of Ireland, Dublin is working on developing a technology that will help in easing the road traffic.
Aided by IBM, the city's council has created an online database that helps people to know the fastest way to their destination. A real time database will also help people in locating the exact position of buses and also direct them to parking spaces.
London: This leading global city, which is considered the world's most visited city, has a renowned smart transport system. This system enables people to pay for travel on tubes, trains and buses via a smart card.
A wall of iPads in the office of city mayor gives constant updates about city's performance, trending topics on Twitter, the pollution level, river level, etc.
Amsterdam: The capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam wants to develop tourist-friendly apps that will help the tourists in locating the best places in the city to visit. Apps such as Bike Like a Local helps tourists to cycle across the city; Appening Amsterdam helps locate happening places in Amsterdam; and Drive Carefully which gives alerts if one is driving near a school
Songdo: This South Korean smart city, also known as a ubiquitous city or U-city, has inter-linked information systems. Due for its completion in 2015, Songdo will be home to 65,000 people and 300,000 workers. Every home will have a telepresence system which will help users to control heating and locks.
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Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city in Brazil in 2010 tasked IBM with a project of interconnecting its 30 important agencies which includes transport and emergency services, which will enable smoother movement of traffic and public transportation systems. This network of agencies will also help in ensuring that power and water supplies work more effectively.
The aforesaid coordinated system will work brilliantly in the eventuality of a crisis like a building collapse wherein all the concerned departments of the city can coordinate for a faster and effective rescue operation.
Barcelona: Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, has efficient bus routes, a sensor-powered rubbish collection system, smart street lights and is in the process of developing unique contactless payments across public transports. A centralised operating system meant to bring all the systems together is also being developed in this city.
Johannesburg: This smart city based in South Africa owns a super-fast fibre optic network which covers all regions of the city.
Known as The City of Johannesburg Broadband Project, the network is of 1.2 Tb (terabit) capacity. Among the other things, the city is planning to build a system of smart metering of electricity and water and also an intelligence centre for the public safety.
Masdar: A future planned city in the United Arab Emirates, Masdar is designed to be one of the most sustainable cities. Masdar which aims to be carbon free will have a solar power station at its heart.
Built in the middle of the desert of Abu Dhabi, Masdar will stand on a raised platform to give its "digital plumbers" an access to the system of its advanced technology.
With an aim of going car-free and pedestrian-friendly, the city is experimenting with a network of electric driverless podcars.
Singapore: One of the fastest growing economies in Asia, Singapore wants to improve its public transport using the real time data generated in the city. The vital data collected is used to direct the city traffic. An innovative app already developed shows weather forecasts given 10 minutes in advance, helping the commuters and transport during rains.
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Originally posted by NeverSayGoodBye:
Singapore: An innovative app already developed shows weather forecasts given 10 minutes in advance, helping the commuters and transport during rains.
I only need to open my eyes and look at the sky to see whether it is raining or not.
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why u need to?
isnt it once in every 50 years?
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People give weather forecast 1 day in advance...
give 10 mins in advance beri satki???
I can tell most of the time if it's going to rain 10 mins later... no need app
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That's why I say just look into the sky and see whether raindrops fall onto your head or not.
No need app.
I hope they are not selling the app for $9.99.