City of the Future: Urban Monitoring based on Smart Sensors and Open Technologies

Abstract

Developments in the field of microelectronics and the increasing willingness to use open technologies offer a variety of opportunities to significantly increase both understanding and public participation in the sustainable design of our cities and living spaces. Urban environmental monitoring on the basis of smart sensors and open technologies with the participation of citizens and local actors not only allows a better understanding of urban transformation processes but also increases the acceptance and resilience of a sustainable urban development towards the city of the future. What will the cities of the future look like? What is certain is that the future of cities will become more digital, with sensors, apps and citizens networking. So, how can smart sensors and open technologies help us better understand our environment? What do we need to know about our environment and the city we live in? Based on the developments of recent years, it is now a matter of course to book tickets for buses and trains with your smart phone or to look for the best restaurant. But what if citizens and local actors want to play an active role in urban development or monitoring?