Oppidatim

It used to be said that 'knowledge is power', but the team at Chipside are convinced that 'shared knowledge is power'.

The Chipside team believes that Big Data, collected from numerous systems and sources, can be presented in an open way for all to interpret. "Big Data enables big decisions to be made," says Paul Moorby, Managing Director of Chipside.

Chipside enables local authorities to combine layers of data. For example, real-time traffic levels can be combined with on-street parking survey data to better understand the relationship between supply, demand and driver behaviour at different times of the day.

"Big Data can transform local services. It can enable dynamic, demand-led parking tariffs, the establishment of new residents' permit schemes, the construction of new parking facilities, refinement of traffic management policies and revisions to bus lane operation," says Paul Moorby.

Big Data enables public authorities to react to local conditions based on evidence. "Business Intelligence functionality is integrated across systems provided by Chipside and can be shared as raw data as well as graphic and text-based reporting.

"The Oppidatim strategy enables local government to provide Big Data to the public through a variety of portals, assisting the public in understanding and engaging with services on offer. Data can also be shared across local boundaries, allowing a step change in decision-making on both policy and operational levels."

The Smart Cities Partnership

Smart Cities are ranked around the world by various global monitoring organisations. "Each has its own criteria to arrive at a ranked list of what makes a modern city better than others," says Paul Moorby, Chipside's Managing Director. "There is some consensus on common themes. Smart cities offer high levels of local democracy, sustainability and efficiency.

"They go further than others in delivering services to both the local community and to the wider region and marketplace beyond their own borders. They use modern techniques to achieve excellence - whether that is technology, repurposed infrastructure, strategic operating plans or investment in the skills of its population. Some place emphasis on providing a liveable space for their citizens. Some do all of these elements, in a rounded approach to quality of life."

Chipside's long-term smart city projects are not just in cities. Successful projects are underway in the City of Bath, but also with Gloucestershire County Council and with the Essex Parking Partnerships. "These projects have received international attention. It was clear that these projects were delivering all elements of a truly modern 'smart city'," says Moorby.

At the respected Parking World symposium, held in London in 2012, and again at Bath University in 2014, Paul Moorby presented his core theme of "true partnership" - where all interested parties, even the critics, are engaged in forward thinking projects, for the benefit of all.

"This approach gained interest around the world and has crystallised into the Oppidatim smart network," says Moorby. "Launch partners already taking part offer contributions in all types of specialism. They include security specialists, telecoms providers, hardware suppliers, services suppliers and local government teams. Each partner has agreed to support the central theme of 'Big Data, Open Data' driving efficiency of local services and increasing availability of information to key decision makers."

One working project that is currently active is how to link up tourist visit information across geographic boundaries to help inform regional decisions. Many more projects will be delivered during the coming years.

To discuss your smart city requirements please contact smartcities@chipside.com.