Proximity technologies are most commonly known as a marketing tool that use location intelligence to communicate directly with potential customers via portable devices. But they also play a crucial role in helping cities cope with the challenges associated with a growing urban population. Sensors like Wi-Fi, GPS and beacons can be used to optimise traffic flows, overcome mobility challenges and make cities safer, more accessible and more efficient places.

According to the new Q4 2016 Proximity.Directory Report, which was produced by the global proximity platform Unacast, a number of cities are already making great strides in in using proximity technology to improve the lives of their citizens. Singapore, for instance, deployed a massive amount of sensors and cameras around the city to analyse traffic congestion and crowd density, allowing authorities to reroute buses at rush hour and avert traffic jams. San Francisco is also using sensors to tackle congestion by creating a dynamic parking system that adjusts the cost of parking based on whether spots are occupied or vacant.

Barcelona uses wireless LED street lights that use sensors to reduce energy usage. It also deployed a network of ground sensors to regulate irrigation relative to forecast rainfall and temperature, leading to water savings of 25 per cent cent and cost savings of USD 555,000 per year. Other cities highlighted in the report, which culled together information from more than 370 proximity solution providers in over 50 different countries, are Oslo, London and New York.

The global smart technology market increased by USD 3.3 billion between 2014 and 2016 and now stands at USD 12.1 billion, according to a summary of the report. To date, a total of 13,074,000 sensors have been installed worldwide.