The Hague Unveils Five Years of Smart City Achievements
The Hague, Wednesday, 4 December 2024.
The Hague’s smart city initiatives have improved urban living through real-time crowd management and automated ship registration, though some projects were discontinued due to evolving needs.
Real-Time Crowd Management Success
At the heart of The Hague’s smart city transformation is the Crowd Safety Manager (CSM), operating through an extensive fiber optic network that connects various street facilities [1]. This innovative system provides real-time 3D maps of crowd movements by analyzing data from traffic registrations, public transportation, and anonymized visitor information [1]. The system proved particularly valuable during the Invictus Games, enabling municipal authorities to proactively manage crowds and redirect visitors to alternative parking facilities [1].
Maritime Safety Enhancement
In Scheveningen harbor, The Hague has implemented an automated ship registration system that enhances maritime safety [1]. This technology efficiently tracks vessel movements while maintaining privacy standards, demonstrating how smart technology can improve existing infrastructure without compromising personal data [1].
Learning from Discontinued Projects
The municipality’s approach shows careful consideration of both technological effectiveness and societal needs [1]. For instance, a pilot project for riot recognition was discontinued due to technological limitations [1]. Similarly, an AI-powered camera system designed to detect nitrous oxide use was shelved when the related social issue subsided, demonstrating the city’s pragmatic approach to technology deployment [1].
Future Smart City Development
The Hague’s experience aligns with broader European efforts to decarbonize urban environments and create more sustainable cities [2]. By documenting these successes and challenges in a comprehensive white paper, The Hague provides valuable insights for other cities embarking on similar smart city initiatives [1]. This knowledge-sharing approach supports the global movement toward more efficient and sustainable urban environments [GPT].