Smart cities ecoystems can address challenges brought on by urbanization and population growth.
The rapid urbanisation of the last century will continue with the global population projected at 9.8 billion by 2050. With most people living in urban areas, cities have unique challenges. As urban centres expand, the transition integrating advanced technologies to manage these areas effectively is essential. ‘Smart cities’ leverage digital technologies and data analysis to enhance public services, sustainability, and quality of life.
How Can You Find Space in a Smart City?
Space technologies play a pivotal role as technological enablers within the smart city framework, enhancing various urban sectors with cost-efficient business models:
- Connectivity and Sensors: Satellite connectivity is extensively used to support smart city grids, enabling applications in smart transportation, energy management, waste management, and connected vehicles.
- Navigation Systems: Satellite navigation systems play a vital role in transport and mobility by providing real-time transport information, urban traffic modelling, and supporting autonomous and intelligent vehicles.
- Earth Observation: Using satellites is essential for urban planning, climate change monitoring, sustainable urban agriculture, and infrastructure management. They also contribute to disaster response and security.
- Telecommunications: Establishing resilient and secure telecommunication networks, including 5G, causes the use of satellite systems. Billions of devices will rely on these networks for sensors and software for connectivity by 2025.
The integration of space-based applications and emerging technologies, like 5G, presents substantial opportunities for enhancing smart city services. Smart cities should consider location, service type, and cost efficiency when deciding on communication technology, leveraging the space sector for future networks.
ESA holds a key position in the smart city ecosystem supporting technological integration. ESA is committed to enhancing its role by preparing urban centres for future challenges sustainably through initiatives such as the Smart Cities Task Force, as cities expand both in size and economy.
