An MIT team uses wireless data from cell phones and GPS devices to track real-time traffic flow (and congestion) in Rome. In 1748, Gianbattista Nolli redefined what modern mapmaking looked like: He offered the first iconographic view of Rome that detailed the dense, urban streets and public spaces, as well as the interiors of buildings. Now more than 250 years later, Carlo Ratti has set out to revolutionize cartography again—this time with the help of cell phones, taxis and buses, and Google maps. Called Real Time Rome, the project paints a new picture of the ancient city: On seven large flexible glass screens and in fiery, fluorescent colors, Ratti and his team are able to show traffic congestion, the routes of the city’s taxis and buses, and where city dwellers are congregating and moving—all with real-time wireless data. “This new type of data provides an understanding of the city that we couldn’t have had a few years ago,” says Ratti, director of MIT’s Senseable City Laboratory, which studies the impact of new technologies on cities. Wireless data, including that from GPS devices located on taxis and buses and aggregated, anonymous cell phone data from Telecom Italia, fuel databases that Ratti’s team uses to create the topographies. The stunning maps have been on display at the Venice Biennale art exhibition since September. During a Madonna concert this past summer, Ratti says he saw some of the “most beautiful patterns” on the screens. “You could see the city pulsating toward where the concert was,” he says, “and how the infrastructure is really being used.” The project has both simple and grand goals. Simple, because Ratti sees benefits for citizens who want to avoid traffic jams and for emergency responders who need to see the most efficient routes. Grand, because “we can change the way we design cities,” Ratti says. “It’s a way to streamline movement in the city.” To that end, Ratti is launching the Senseable City Consortium, an R&D initiative to bring together public administrators, network operators, and hardware and software companies to design smarter urban environments. “Cities, in the past, were built out of concrete,” he says. “Tomorrow, cities will be built out of silicon.” Related content brandpost Sponsored by SAP Innovative integration drives automotive group to SAP awards Using SAP Build Process Automation, China Grand Automotive Services Group Co., Ltd. accelerated and streamlined processes for its 700+ dealerships, saving time and costs while earning recognition for its innovation. By Tom Caldecott, SAP Contributor Dec 11, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation news Concerns remain even as the EU reaches a landmark deal to govern AI Experts believe the new regulation would add a significant compliance burden on businesses as some argue it could even stifle the growth of the rapidly developing technology. By Gagandeep Kaur Dec 11, 2023 7 mins Regulation Artificial Intelligence feature CIOs grapple with the ethics of implementing AI With ethical considerations around AI use increasingly top of mind, IT leaders are developing governance frameworks, establishing review boards, and coming to terms with the difficult discussions and decisions ahead. By Esther Shein Dec 11, 2023 13 mins Generative AI Data Governance IT Governance feature Reed Smith turns to AI for lawyer staffing solution The legal firm’s Smart Resourcing tool helps balance workloads and ensure partners find associates with the right skills and experience, while empowering employees to make connections across the firm’s global footprint. By Sarah K. White Dec 11, 2023 8 mins CIO 100 Legal Digital Transformation Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe