Thermal imaging & vision systems T
he idea of a ‘smart city’ is not a new concept. The term has been used extensively over the past decade, yet
we are only beginning to recognise and harness its true potential. What defines a smart city and the technology used to create it is constantly changing and adapting to meet citizens’ changing needs. Intelligent transpor t and data-driven public
safety will be at the top of cities’ agendas over the coming years. The latest IDC Worldwide Smar t Cities spending guide outlined that the main priorities superseding these are resilient energy and infrastructure projects. Total global spend is due to amount to a whopping $189.5 billion by 2023. With such large investments,
visions of a smart city future are becoming a reality and developments in local towns as well as larger cities across Europe are showing that the world is ready to embrace it. But as
technological innovations are beginning to - surpass city infrastructure spending, it is essential to ask the question: how can technologies make the infrastructure we already have not only ‘smarter’ but safer?
Smarter tranSport SyStemS are the key to unlocking a Smarter city
Informing travellers and commuters of hazards, delays and alternate routes is essential to keeping cities moving. It is vital for intelligent transport systems (ITS) to detect and measure the traffic in a reliable way across any spectrum of conditions, in real-time. By utilising smart sensors and thermal imaging as a part of this system means that vision is extended through the detection of heat emissions and
allows for four-times greater recognition than that offered by traditional cameras. Providing traffic controllers with an
extended and clarified vision, provided by thermal, allows differentiation between cars, trams and pedestrians, as well as vulnerable road users such as cyclists. From this, we are equipped with greater insight into foreseeing delays and hazards which may occur across roads and highways. The data gathered from this technology further allows for seamless interaction between traffic controllers and first responders, providing efficient collaboration. One example is from the City of Darmstadt in
Germany, whereby the city is utilising smart sensors to guarantee the safety of schoolchildren and passers-by. With two local schools being positioned in a relatively dangerous by-section of traffic, the technology works by detecting pedestrians and adapts to the green phase of the traffic light system accordingly, so that pedestrians can cross safely in a well- adjusted time. A major advantage of using
How thermal technology is bridging the gap towards smarter cities
56 November 2021 Instrumentation Monthly
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