Planning and Technology Flashcards
Information and Commnication Technologies (ICT)
New ICTs not only increase the complexity of modern life but are also changing the form and function of cities. The impact of these technologies has been especially visible in the transportation sector. On-demand transportation is expanding with the rise of companies such as uber and Lyft, companies like Amazon deliver packages using small drones, and autonomous vehicles are being employed to deliver goods, services and people.
ICT Planning Impacts
1) the rapid collection of large amounts of data is a product of information technologies that monitor all kinds or urban activities; traffic, noise, and lighting levels, air quality, bus headways (the distance between buses), and pedestrian activity. This data can be useful to planners who are involved in optimizing transit systems or trying to steer development away from areas with high pollutant levels
2) cloud technology (data, software and analysis via the internet) is important because big data often exceeds traditional computing capability. Data Wrangling is the process of turning raw info into something useful. Cloud tech allows more complex analysis and computation. For example, IMPLAN is a company that does economic base and input-output analysis all in the cloud, all online.
3) IT is allowing citizens to access government information and services in a more streamlined way. Public information is increasingly accessible, improving transparency through so called open data portals. much of this is spatial and can be mapped. Google Earth and web-based GIS have made interactive mapping far more accessible. Smart phones and tablets also allow people to do on site analysis, like looking up real estate transactions, and getting aerial imagery.
4) Connectivity through IT has resulted in increased flexibility in work structures, which means that people can work more varied hours and be located in remote locations. Fiber optic cables provide broadband connectivity and this is combined with the rise of wireless networks. Large urban centers have the greatest concentration of IT infrastructure.
Data Wrangling
the process of turning raw info into something useful.
Smart Cities
The term has been around since the 90s and has various definitions. Smart City technologies are implemented with the goal of achieving cost efficiencies, making infrastructure more resilient, and generally improving urban conditions. Sensors are a critical component of smart city tech, enabling monitoring of water mains for leaks, air quality monitoring, public safety video sensors, and transportation sensors.
Internet of Things (IoT)
the concept of Smart Cities focuses on the integration of ICT and the Internet of Things – devices that use the internet to support the delivery of public services and the livability of communities. They allow real time monitoring and intervention, potentially saving energy, managing utilities, and identifying bottlenecks. One example is parking spaces that communicate with the users phone letting them know where they can park, minimizing circling for parking spaces and maximizing the efficient use of available spaces.
