Traffic management in smart cities using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, is an innovative and promising approach to address the growing challenges associated with urban transportation. UAVs can be deployed in various ways to monitor, analyze, and improve traffic flow and safety in smart cities. Traffic surveillance and monitoring, traffic flow optimization, emergency response, public safety, parking management, environmental monitoring, traffic surveys, event and congestion management, infrastructure inspection, and public transport support are some ways in which UAVs can be used for traffic management in smart cities. Collaborations between government agencies, law enforcement, transportation departments, and drone operators are essential for the successful integration of UAVs into the smart city infrastructure. Additionally, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to process and analyze the vast amounts of data collected by drones, allowing for more proactive and efficient traffic management in smart cities.
TopIntroduction
In recent years, smart cities have gained considerable traction as urbanization continues to accelerate worldwide. Smart cities represent a vision of urban development that leverages technology and data-driven solutions to address the myriad challenges that urban environments face, including transportation congestion, pollution, and the optimization of urban infrastructure (Silva et al., 2018). One of the most promising technological advancements in smart cities is the utilization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones. UAVs offer a versatile and innovative solution for tackling some of the most pressing issues within urban transportation and traffic management (Mohamed, Al-Jaroodi, Jawhar, Idries, & Mohammed, 2020). Urban areas are experiencing unprecedented population growth and increasing mobility demands. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities, leading to a surge in traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and the strain on transportation infrastructure (Budde, 2013). In response to these challenges, governments, researchers, and urban planners are seeking innovative strategies to transform cities into smarter, more efficient, and sustainable hubs for the future.
The use of UAVs in smart cities is a response to these challenges. Drones equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and data analytics capabilities offer unique and unprecedented advantages for traffic management (Fantin Irudaya Raj & Appadurai, 2022). They can monitor, analyze, and optimize traffic conditions, making cities safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. The present chapter aims to comprehensively examine the role of UAVs in traffic management within the context of smart cities. It explores various applications and uses of UAVs, such as traffic surveillance, flow optimization, emergency response, parking management, environmental monitoring, and more. Through an in-depth analysis of real-world examples and case studies, this report intends to shed light on the benefits and challenges associated with integrating UAVs in traffic management. Additionally, it offers recommendations and insights into the future of UAV technology in smart city development. Figure 1 shows the different types of UAVs/drones employed in the smart city environment (Mirzaeinia & Hassanalian, 2019).
Figure 1. UAVs/Drones in a smart city environment
The present chapter is divided into 14 different sections. Section 2 provides an understanding of smart cities and their transportation challenges. An overview of UAV technology and its capabilities is explained in Section 3; Sections 4 to 11 delve into the various applications of UAVs in traffic management. Section 12 explores the challenges and considerations associated with using UAVs in smart cities. Section 13 discusses technological advancements and future trends in the field. Section 14 offers recommendations and insights into future directions. The conclusion of the present chapter is presented in Section 15.
TopSmart Cities And Transportation Challenges
Smart cities represent a vision of urban development that relies on data, technology, and innovation to enhance the quality of life for residents while addressing the numerous challenges associated with urbanization. These cities leverage data-driven solutions to improve various aspects of urban living, including transportation. However, the rapid urbanization and increased mobility demands in smart cities have given rise to unique transportation challenges. This section will explore the concept of smart cities, their key characteristics, and their transportation challenges.