The idea of a truly “safe” or “smart” city is no longer just a pipe dream. Thanks to ever-evolving technology that consists of interconnected cameras, devices, and sensors, cities around the world are making it a reality. That said, what really sets the first movers apart is how they have harnessed the power of connectivity.
From regular to safe
Cities are evolving into communities that push the boundaries of technology and offer their citizens access to a better quality of life. They are developing a technology infrastructure that includes video, sensors, and devices that enable them to capture, aggregate, and analyze real-time data.
The insights and information that are generated can be used to improve the lives of residents. For example, city departments that were once siloed can now collaborate and respond at an all-new level by sharing the same insights and intelligence. This allows city authorities to make both incremental and sweeping changes to their services and residents’ quality of life.
The vision for a safe and connected city
People who live in safe cities feel safe because they know that the people in charge have got it all covered. They know they will be protected and that their premises and businesses will be secure. They also have peace of mind knowing that if incidents happen, responses will be swift and efficient. First responders, such as the police, firefighters, and healthcare professionals, will be better prepared to tackle emergencies because they will be better informed.
Moreover, a safe city means the benefits of the “old normal” (e.g., fresh air, clean water, less-congested roads, etc.) will become the new normal. Resources like water and energy will be better managed through clever sustainability measures.
Unlocking the vision with connected data
Technologies such as video, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) software help unlock new insights about our cities. The proliferation of these connected devices and tools is helping to generate rich new streams of data that can be used as shared assets between citywide operators, authorities, and decision-makers to act faster, smarter, and together.
No doubt, data can be a goldmine when shared among key city stakeholders. Doing so, however, requires all of their diverse video installations to be connected and brought under one roof. This will help make cities safer, more productive, and overall better places to live.
Interoperability and central monitoring: The heart of it all
Interoperability is defined as the ability of different connected systems to communicate with each other. The interoperability and central monitoring of systems also provide new possibilities for urban planning and city administration. This is where intelligent control rooms come into play.
The nerve center of a safe city
Intelligent control rooms use best-in-class technologies to understand what’s happening within a city, identify any risks or emergencies, and increase communication and collaboration between city and government bodies. Through implementing an intelligent control room, leaders can improve connectedness, coordination, communication, openness, and scope. It can also help leaders to anticipate and adapt to future city trends and become an engine of growth, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration for safe cities.
Connected video technology is a vital engine that drives safe cities
With around a billion cameras installed globally, video technology is here to stay. Capturing and processing this massive amount of data for real-time situational awareness is particularly relevant for a city’s core services, such as firefighting, policing, traffic management, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. However, the kinds of video technology required to enable these services to extend beyond just cameras.
Still, video is much more than just a tool for monitoring and surveillance. When it is utilized effectively, video is a crucial part of the analytics pipeline that creates real-time and insightful data to help make faster and more informed decisions. When data is aggregated, it is referred to as ‘Big Data.’ Making sense of this data, extracting useful insights from within it, and translating these insights into action is the ultimate Holy Grail for cities.
Better places to live and work
Nearly half of the world’s population lives in cities, but that number is increasing rapidly. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that as many as 70 per cent of the planet’s people will be living in cities by 2050.
What will it mean to be a safe city in this future? Digital technologies are already contributing to the creation of a strong foundation upon which city leaders can build ‘safe cities.’ These are cities where public services run more efficiently, crime rates are low, resources are managed better, economic growth fosters, and citizens enjoy a superior quality of life.
There is no doubt that connected cities will be better places to live and do business. But as with so many things, the devil lies in the details, and getting from here (now) to there (the connected city of the future) will take some doing.
Learn more connected video technology for safe cities. Visit Milestone’s Let’s Rethink City Living website or download their free ebook.
