Traffic data about the UK’s roads and mobile networks are to be combined to drive the development of the country’s smart cities, and create a “one-stop shop for movement analytics”.
UK analytics firm Citi Logik, which handles anonymised mobile network data sets, has joined with US company INRIX, a specialist in GPS data analytics, to generate UK population movement insights, such as information about trips and travel habits and real-time population density.
The pair will make their insights available for solutions and learning to transport agencies, local governments, city planners and enterprises involved in the UK smart city space.
They said that by mapping network data against GPS data, they will be able to model future population trends to underpin the planning of smart cities, and enable public sector agencies to plan transport infrastructure and improve urban mobility.
The combined data sets will also afford retailers and other enterprises clearer sight of their customer journeys, enabling them to better engage with their target audiences.
“The value of mobile data cannot be understated, and enhancing network data with GPS offers the opportunity to provide greater levels of understanding of movement by foot, by vehicle and on trains,” said Stephen Leece, Managing Director, Citi Logik. “Working with INRIX will provide a step change in capability and a one stop shop for movement analytics in the UK.”
Rafay Khan, Chief Revenue Officer at INRIX, added: “Many existing city infrastructures are under strain, designed at times when populations were far smaller. The problem is only intensifying. By 2030, there will be 8.5 billion people in the world with over 60 percent living in urban areas.
“Our work with Citi Logik will help transport agencies and local govenments in the UK to find new ways of extending and re-engineering cities to cope with a fast growing population and the challenges faced from urbanisation.”
A recent report from the Global mobile Suppliers Association said the relationship between city authorities, telcos and vendors is changing thanks to the growing availability of big data and open source technologies, and urged the telecoms industry to be more flexible if it wants to be at the heart of smart city development.
In January, the International Telecommunications Union launched a new portal to try and break down the barriers between the different verticals in the smart city.