Urban informatics for social good: Definitions, tensions, and challenges

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The vast amount of data generated from diverse sources provides both an opportunity and a challenge to urban policymakers and decision-makers. The application of data science and analytics to parse the detailed data that city agencies continually collect offers the opportunity to identify new areas for operational efficiencies, enhanced service delivery, and better informed policy design and implementation. This exploratory paper articulates the theoretical, practical, and pedagogical foundations for the fields of urban informatics and civic analytics and the challenges and tensions to effectively applying computational approaches to urban management, policy, and planning. It describes the state of the field, defines the need for computational methods in cities, and presents the tensions in creating data-driven approaches that both acknowledge and capitalize on shifting modes of learning, working, and decisionmaking. The paper concludes with a discussion of connecting urban theory to informatics practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2017 2nd International Workshop on Science of Smart City Operations and Platforms Engineering, in partnership with Global City Teams Challenge, SCOPE 2017
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages52-56
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781450349895
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 18 2017
Event2nd International Workshop on Science of Smart City Operations and Platforms Engineering, SCOPE 2017 - Pittsburgh, United States
Duration: Apr 21 2017 → …

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2017 2nd International Workshop on Science of Smart City Operations and Platforms Engineering, in partnership with Global City Teams Challenge, SCOPE 2017

Other

Other2nd International Workshop on Science of Smart City Operations and Platforms Engineering, SCOPE 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh
Period4/21/17 → …

Keywords

  • City planning
  • Civic analytics
  • Data for social good
  • Data science
  • Urban informatics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Strategy and Management
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Urban Studies

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Urban informatics for social good: Definitions, tensions, and challenges'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this