Harnessing Big Data for Smarter Cities: Optimizing Urban Systems with Data Analytics
Introduction The rapid urbanization of global populations has placed unprecedented pressure on city infrastructure, resources, and services. By 2050, the United Nations projects that 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, necessitating innovative solutions to manage urban challenges. Big Data analytics offers transformative potential for smart city development, enabling data-driven decision-making in urban planning, traffic management, and resource optimization. This chapter explores how Big Data technologies can be harnessed to create sustainable, efficient, and livable urban environments, delving into methodologies, applications, challenges, and future prospects. The Role of Big Data in Smart Cities Smart cities leverage interconnected technologies and data analytics to enhance urban living. Big Data serves as the backbone of these initiatives by processing vast, diverse datasets to uncover actionable insights. From optimizing traffic flow to improving energ...