Is Baguio City on its Way to Becoming a “Smart City”?
On Monday, September 14, 2020, two (2) technology software was installed at the Management Information Technology Division (MITD) under the Office of the City Mayor.
One of the said software can be used for crowd density monitoring which can supplement the contact tracing, while the other one can be used for real-time weather prediction.
According to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the “computer applications are in line with the plan of his administration to build the first Smart City in the country” wherein technology will be used for programs on peace and order, anti-criminality, and disaster risk reduction management.
Faces and plate numbers are said to be among the things the AI or artificial intelligence can identify using the cameras on all corners of the city.
“Donations in support to the City of Baguio’s pursuit of development towards a Smart City keep pouring in,” stated the Public Information Office of the City of Baguio earlier this afternoon as they reveal that both of the computer applications were given to the city for free.
Software for Crowd Density Monitoring
According to Ricky Palad, the President of the private company that donated the crowd density monitoring software, the software works using nineteen (19) closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras which were already installed by the city government.
In addition, he also stated that the software may also be linked to CCTVs of establishments. Thus, allowing the city to have an eye on everything the cameras can get.
Authorities and officials can download an application on their phones to monitor the crowding or density of people in a certain place. Thus, they will be able to dispatch personnel to check on the people’s adherence to physical distancing.
Software for Real-Time Monitoring of Weather Disturbance
The other application which has been donated to Baguio City is a weather disturbance computer application. This app is supplemental to the forecast of PAGASA since it allows real-time monitoring of the weather systems. With a smart weather camera, the application can predict the weather disturbance on a five-kilometer radius.
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