The United Nations estimates that about 55% of the world’s eight billion people reside in cities: a number that’s expected to increase to nearly 68% by 2050. That’s a lot of residents living in close spaces! To accommodate this surge sustainably, urban planning must address the quality of life for city residents, particularly in areas like affordability, public health, and sustainability. This is where smart cities come in. Their integrated, responsive technology can significantly streamline urban planning. This article will dive into how urban planning uses geospatial technology to create smart, sustainable cities of tomorrow. 

Future Cityscapes: Real-Time Data and Smart Tech 

Imagine a kitchen where your refrigerator tells you how many ingredients are still inside and your stovetop regulates temperatures for cooking. A smart city works in a similar way: It’s an urban area where technology and data collection are used to help improve quality of life as well as the sustainability and efficiency of city operations, such as promoting resource efficiency, public transit accessibility, and reducing urban sprawl. The approach centers on creating livable, walkable neighborhoods that are economically viable and environmentally conscious. 

Two smart city technologies commonly used by local governments today are: 

Urban planners increasingly rely on GIS technology to implement these smart growth strategies.  

GIS Mapping: Envisioning the City of the Future 

GIS, which stands for Geographic Information System, is a computer-based technology used to store, analyze, interpret, and visualize data on a geographic platform. In an urban setting, GIS can display critical data such as: 

  • Population density 
  • Transportation networks 
  • Land use patterns 

Have you ever been asked by Google Maps to update an incident on the road as you’re driving? You’re giving city officials important real-time information via GIS to optimize traffic and operations. Real-time GIS data is derived from people’s individual input, devices, and infrastructure.  

The data is then analyzed by urban planners to enhance a city’s resources, services, and operations. Planners can use the data to optimize operations and identify issues—such as clogged traffic routes or inefficient waste disposal—and design urban spaces that balance growth with environmental preservation, optimize infrastructure investments, and enhance social equity. 

GIS Technology in Contemporary Cities 

Now that we know how GIS is used to inform smart technology, let’s examine a few metropolises that have already implemented this kind of technological innovation: 

  • Shanghai 
    This Chinese megacity is home to 24.87 million people and uses a 3D geospatial replica that maps even underground and indoor facilities. The city received the World Smart City award in 2020 in recognition of its urban planning, administration, fire control, weather forecasting, and even cultural relic preservation. 
  • London 
    England’s capital has a population of around 8.6 million, and streamlining its traffic is no small feat. That’s why during the 2012 Olympics, urban planners used real-time data from cameras, sensors, and live location updates to manage traffic. 
  • South Bend, Indiana 
    Though less urban that the cities listed above, South Bend is quickly making a name for itself as a leader in GIS and smart technology. City leaders are leveraging these technologies to improve quality of life and sustainability, including a smart sewer system and Smart Streets initiative. 

GIS doesn’t just end at traffic management, sewer management, or virtual replicas, however. Major cities like New York and Los Angeles use GIS mapping (with online tools like Live Earth) to gain a better overview of criminal incidents and emergency responses, making city operations much more efficient. Ideally, cities of the future will utilize all possible GIS mapping to create safer, environmentally friendly, and inclusive communities. 

Enhance Your Career in Urban Planning With a UTPB Credential 

Can you see yourself using cutting-edge geospatial software to envision the next smart city? Why not add this expertise to your skillset with an entirely online GIS and Geospatial Graduate Certificate from The University of Texas Permian Basin? You’ll develop highly sought-after skills in GIS technology, which can prove indispensable in industries like energy and urban planning. 

As an online UT Permian Basin student, you can develop these valuable skills at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. Apply now and see how our GIS and Geospatial Certificate can place you at the forefront of sustainable urban development — whether you’re a future urban planner or a tech enthusiast!