digital network connections over city skyline

Introduction to Smart Cities

This course explores the characteristics and the challenges of smart cities, as well as the potential opportunities for a smart cities approach within the urban design and urban planning fields. This course also discusses the drivers and the essential technologies in a smart city.

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Course Info

  • Duration 9 video lessons (47 Mins)
  • Published Published
    2019
  • 4.20
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Browse Course Chapters

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    1.
    Introduction
    Chapter Duration 3 mins
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    2.
    What is a Smart City?
    Chapter Duration 5 mins
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    3.
    Essential Technologies in a Smart City
    Chapter Duration 2 mins
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    4.
    IoTs in Cities
    Chapter Duration 5 mins
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    5.
    Smart Government
    Chapter Duration 6 mins
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    6.
    Concerns and Challenges
    Chapter Duration 8 mins
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    7.
    Case Study: Songdo
    Chapter Duration 4 mins
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    8.
    Case Study: Sidewalk Toronto
    Chapter Duration 2 mins
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    9.
    Wrap-Up
    Chapter Duration 8 mins

What You Will Learn

  • The characteristics of a smart city
  • The drivers of smart cities
  • How to identify the essential technologies in a smart city
  • The impacts of Internet of Things (IoT) on cities
  • The dimensions of smart government in a smart city
  • Main concerns and challenges in smart city developments
  • Review case studies of smart city projects around the world

Course Description

The term "smart city" describes a city that employs digital and information technologies to solve some of the most complex urban problems while also incorporating elements of livability, sustainability, and inclusivity. Referred to as "digital cities" during a period of optimism about digital technology in the late 1990s, city planners have recently adopted a more cautious and multi-dimensional approach to the use of these technologies under the name "smart cities." By taking this course, participants will be inspired to explore, imagine, and rethink cities in a "smart" way.  Whether you're fascinated by technology or interested in the intersection of information science and city planning, this course is for you.

This course explores the characteristics and the challenges of smart cities (including an overview of the Internet of Things and smart government), as well as the potential opportunities for smart cities within the urban design and urban planning fields. Course participants will learn about a number of common techniques and the most pressing concerns in smart city developments. In addition, this course will discuss the dimensions of smart government in a smart city. At the end of this course, course participants will be introduced to a number of projects related to smart city development across the world. Join course instructor Amir Hajrasouliha in exploring case studies of smart city developments to better understand how digital and information technologies are changing the way we plan, design, build, govern, and live in cities.

Learn these skills

  • Data Analysis
  • Technology
  • Transportation
  • Urbanism

AICP CM

This course is approved for .75 AICP CM credit.

SACPLAN CPD

This course is approved for 1 SACPLAN CPD point.

Meet Your Instructor

Amir Hajrasouliha

Amir Hajrasouliha

Amir Hajrasouliha is an architect, urban designer, and city planner with years of professional and academic experience. He is an assistant professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he teaches courses in Urban Design, Smart Cities, and Housing.

Meet Instructor

Join thousands of urban planners on Planetizen Courses

Good comprehensive introduction to technology and overview of risks.
- TB.
5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review
A thorough explanation that presents critiques of smart cities honestly and fairly.
- Daniel P.
5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review 5 Star Review

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