In the more than 6,000 years of living in cities, humans have always had to find solutions to problems concerning how they live and work, such as sanitation, transportation, crime and environmental protection. Today, using cutting-edge technologies, smart cities can cover them all. We are now in the era of being “smart”.
According to the European Commission, a smart city is “a place where traditional networks and services are made more efficient with the use of digital solutions for the benefit of its inhabitants and businesses”. It means smarter urban transport networks, upgraded water supplies and waste disposal facilities and more efficient ways to light and heat buildings. It also means a more interactive and responsive city administration, safer public spaces and meeting the needs of an aging population.
The origin of the concept of smart cities can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when the US Community Analysis Bureau began using databases, aerial photography and other digital methods to collect data and do analysis so that the cities could direct services, relieve the influence of disasters and reduce poverty.
Smart cities rely heavily on automation, connectivity to the Internet , and the Internet of things (IoT). According to TWI, a global organization dedicated to technology engineering, a smart city operates according to four basic steps: collection, analysis, communication, and action. In this approach, a set of smart sensors will collect real-time data about people and infrastructure. After the data collected is analyzed, the result will be communicated to the decision-makers, who will take action to improve the quality of city life for its residents.
Smart city technologies have already been applied in some countries and cities around the world. Singapore, for example, has introduced a wide range of smart technologies in both its public and private sectors since launching its Smart Nation initiative in 2014. To help with the aging population, it introduced a digital health system allowing video consultations as well as wearable devices to monitor patients.
12. What is the main feature of a smart city?
A.It can meet the needs of the elderly. | B.It is fully evolved and multi-functional. |
C.It highly depends on modern technologies. | D.It is a place where one can live a carefree life. |
13. What may TWI agree with?
A.Decision-makers are supposed to analyze the real-time data. |
B.Joint efforts are required to ensure the operation of a smart city. |
C.The quality of city life has improved due to the government initiative. |
D.Problems still exist in the smart city despite great convenience it brings. |
14. Why is Singapore mentioned in the last paragraph?
A.To praise its contribution to the world. |
B.To show its advantage over other countries. |
C.To gain widespread support for a smart city. |
D.To illustrate the application of smart city technologies. |
15. What is the best title for the text?
A.Smart City: A Brief History | B.Smart City: Live the Smart Way |
C.Smart City: Say Goodbye to the Past | D.Smart City: Both Chances and Challenges |