An avalanche of new technologies that will transform the urban fabric is upon us! We are already preparing for and implementing some of these new advancements. With each new technology comes a full array of unforeseen complications. For example, autonomous, self-driving, and driverless cars are being tested in cities across the nation. Some jurisdictions are planning for or already using instruments that detect the presence of cell phones to measure traffic volume and adjust signal timing. But have we fully discussed what the need for broadband, fiber optics, and telecommunications will be to implement these and other technologies? Some cities are repurposing utility and traffic signal infrastructure to provide broadband services and thereby, achieving new municipal revenue sources. Emerging issues and trends such as smart growth, the sharing economy, new urbanism, transit-oriented development, co-housing, etc., will forever change our profession’s perspectives on resource management, engineering design, telecommunications, and our interactions with the public.
Contributor/Source
David Zelenok;George Wentz
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