The concept of smart cities was premised on integrating information, communications and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies like sensors and cameras in a secure fashion to manage a city's assets. One goal was more effective and cost-efficient management of city infrastructures and property, but equally important was responsiveness to emerging infrastructure events to help cities and their occupants.
Several years ago, cities began integrating their traffic management systems with city geographical information systems (GIS) so city planners and also city traffic managers could observe traffic flows, determine maintenance needs, and plan for future infrastructure. Initially these efforts captured static or near real-time information from sensors placed on traffic lights, at intersections, or on other stationary infrastructure assets that the city managed.