sc 20(9): e3

Research Article

Application of real-time GIS analytics to support spatial intelligent decision-making in the era of big data for smart cities

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  • @ARTICLE{10.4108/eai.26-6-2018.162219,
        author={Mbongowo  J. Mbuh and Peter Metzger and Peter Brandt and Kelli Fika and Monica Slinkey},
        title={Application of real-time GIS analytics to support spatial intelligent decision-making in the era of big data for smart cities},
        journal={EAI Endorsed Transactions on Smart Cities},
        volume={4},
        number={9},
        publisher={EAI},
        journal_a={SC},
        year={2019},
        month={12},
        keywords={Smart city, ICT, IoT, real-time GIS, big data, spatial analytics, and spatial intelligence},
        doi={10.4108/eai.26-6-2018.162219}
    }
    
  • Mbongowo J. Mbuh
    Peter Metzger
    Peter Brandt
    Kelli Fika
    Monica Slinkey
    Year: 2019
    Application of real-time GIS analytics to support spatial intelligent decision-making in the era of big data for smart cities
    SC
    EAI
    DOI: 10.4108/eai.26-6-2018.162219
Mbongowo J. Mbuh1,*, Peter Metzger2, Peter Brandt1, Kelli Fika1, Monica Slinkey1
  • 1: Department of Geography and Geographical Information Science, University of North Dakota. 221 Centennial Drive, O’Kelly Hall, Room 156, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
  • 2: Minnkota Power Cooperative, an electric utility company in Grand Forks County, 5301 32nd Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA
*Contact email: mbongowo.mbuh@und.edu

Abstract

The rapid growth of the urban landscape from natural development, traffic congestion, crime, and waste management has become a challenge to the city dwellers and decision-makers, thus requiring smart and efficient ways to tackle these problems. The combination of big data and Internet of Things (IoT) is guiding local communities in achieving the goal of building creative communities. This study aims to use real-time spatial analytics that integrates state–of–the art ICT approaches with interdisciplinary synthesis for smart solution making process across different sectors of the community. The use of real-time data and coordination of information from multiple city agencies enable policymakers to adjust management strategies in near real-time and can also provide citizens with situational awareness on emergency and non-emergency conditions. Using state-of-the-art technologies, and communication-based applications within the context of smart cities, three smart city examples were developed with the case study of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Using Web AppBuilder, a health resources inventory for the town of Grand Forks was designed with real-time integration of medical information and treatment facilities within the community. For emergency response and preparedness, we developed and deployed a solution that combines information from all the sectors of the city using Survey123 for ArcGIS to collect data and display it on an operational dashboard with multiple visualizations for real-time monitoring of people, services, assets and analysis of events or activities. This operation offers real-time verification and can be an essential resource for team leaders and emergency operations centers. The information collected also provides the flexibility to show layers of information, and task force leaders have a view of their task forces and, consequently, the enrichment of life by making the community safe, healthy, and sustainable.