Atlas of the Senseable City

Digital mapping is transforming cities and daily lives, providing new insights into urban planning, technology, politics, and activism. This book explores how pervasive sensors and open-source platforms are enabling anyone to visualize cities in entirely new ways, making them smarter and more efficient.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

What have smart technologies taught us about cities? What lessons can we learn from todays urbanites to make better places to live? Antoine Picon and Carlo Ratti argue that the answers are in the maps we make. For centuries, we have relied on maps to navigate the enormity of the city. Now, as the physical world combines with the digital world, we need a new generation of maps to navigate the city of tomorrow. Pervasive sensors allow anyone to visualize cities in entirely new ways—ebbs and flows of pollution, traffic, and internet connectivity.

This book explores how the growth of digital mapping, spurred by sensing technologies, is affecting cities and daily lives. It examines how new cartographic possibilities aid urban planners, technicians, politicians, and administrators; how digitally mapped cities could reveal ways to make cities smarter and more efficient; how monitoring urbanites has political and social repercussions; and how the proliferation of open-source maps and collaborative platforms can aid activists and vulnerable populations. With its beautiful, accessible presentation of cutting-edge research, this book makes it easy for readers to understand the stakes of the new information age—and appreciate the timeless power of the city.

Digital mapping has revolutionized the way we navigate and understand cities, providing a wealth of information that can be used to improve urban planning, infrastructure, and public services. One of the key benefits of digital mapping is its ability to capture and analyze data in real-time, allowing for more accurate and timely decision-making. For example, sensors installed on traffic lights can detect the flow of traffic and adjust the timing of the lights to reduce congestion, while sensors on buildings can monitor energy consumption and optimize heating and cooling systems.

Digital mapping also has the potential to improve the quality of life for urban residents by providing access to information about public transportation, parks, and other amenities. For example, mobile apps can provide real-time information about bus and train schedules, while interactive maps can help residents find nearby parks and recreational facilities.

However, the growth of digital mapping has also raised concerns about privacy and surveillance. As more and more data is collected and analyzed, there is a risk that personal information may be misused or shared without consent. Additionally, the use of surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition and drones, has raised questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights.

To address these concerns, it is important to ensure that digital mapping technologies are used responsibly and transparently. Governments and organizations should have clear policies in place to protect personal information and ensure that data is used for legitimate purposes. Additionally, there should be mechanisms in place to allow individuals to access and control their data, and to appeal decisions made about their data.

In conclusion, digital mapping has the potential to transform the way we live and work in cities, providing a wealth of information and opportunities for innovation. However, it is important to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and transparently to protect privacy and surveillance and to ensure that they benefit all members of society.

Weight: 1116g
Dimension: 234 x 261 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300247510