Transforming Cities with Big Data

The concept of using data to assist cities is nothing new. It has existed for a long time. However, with the advent of cheaper data storage and processing technologies, it has become relatively easy for cities to start using newer sources of data and existing public data in larger scale. The benefits of utilizing Big Data analytics are many -- to name a few: a more informed policy making, better crime predictions, improved roads and traffic regulation, a smarter energy grid.

Chicago has been a model city in this area. It has been one of the first cities in the US to vigorously implement Big Data technologies to improve its administration. Recently, Chicago developed a product called “WindyGrid”, which processes 7 million lines of code every day from various sources such as tweets, security cameras, traffic lights etc. The platform's primary objectives are to provide situational awareness and incident monitoring, historical data retrieval, and real-time advanced analytics to various departments in the city to give them greater access and visibility to city wide data.

Additionally, Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation has started analyzing data from 311 calls to predict where the next rodent breakout is most likely to occur. Based on this data, the department is trying to send out rat-baiters before the outbreak occurs, as a result, saving money. Chicago has also established its own online data portal where city data can be accessed and downloaded for free. Third party developers can easily utilize this data to create their own smart city solutions. 

Image Source: http://datasmart.ash.harvard.edu/

Like Chicago many American cities have also launched online data portals. In fact, many states have also launched such portals to make statewide data easily accessible. Unstructured data from tweets, facebook posts, phone recordings can easily be analyzed using Hadoop based technologies. The data is there and the technology is there. It is only a matter effectively analysing this data and building right innovative solutions to build smarter cities.

Some Links:

About WindyGrid: http://datasmart.ash.harvard.edu/news/article/chicagos-windygrid-taking-situational-awareness-to-a-new-level-259

Chicago Data Portal: https://data.cityofchicago.org/

IL Data Portal: https://data.illinois.gov/

Federal Government Data Portal: https://www.data.gov/