Application of Blockchain Technology in Smart City Infrastructure

Life without technology is unimaginable. At a glance, our lives are being assisted and driven by technological innovations, with the passage of time, the marvels of technology are becoming a permanent part of our lives which besides introducing convenience are also setting a platform for new innovations. Against the backdrop of the latest technological innovations, the word ‘Blockchain’ is resonating in the arenas of technology which is all set to disrupt the various aspects of life, particularly third parties that are responsible for maintaining documents. The concept of Blockchain technology is commonly associated with cryptocurrency however, the technology has numerous applications which can create ripples in the different domains of life.

Graana.com through this blog highlights that how blockchain technology and its applications can be a precursor to the development of smart cities. According to the statistics of the United Nations 68pc of the total world, the population will be residing in the urban areas of the world. This fact highlights that smart cities will be one of the solutions to the problems emanating from urban areas. Therefore, blockchain can be a quick and most reliant tool for developing smart infrastructures.

What is Blockchain?

Satoshi Nakamoto is the name behind blockchain technology; the technology is also held synonymous with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) in which the information is stored on digital ledgers. Among the many, one of the benefits of blockchain technology is that once the information is stored on a ledger it cannot be removed. Similarly, the information is decentralized and cannot be tampered with. Furthermore, the information is stored in chronological order and can be accessed from anywhere at any point in time.

The major feature of blockchain technology that has stirred the storm is its feature of eliminating third parties from the contracts and the processes of the documentation. Liberty that blockchain offers is that it can be easily programmed as per the requirements of a user. Therefore in documentation and registries, blockchain technology can prove handy.

Blockchain and Smart Cities

Keeping in view the features of blockchain technology it can be deduced that blockchain technology can provide a great impetus in the development of smart cities. Owing to its vast applications, the ledger technology can be employed in the various aspects of urban life and can be a herald of efficiency in the cities. Apart from increasing efficiency, and becoming a reason behind the development of smart cities, blockchain can also improve public service delivery.

Smart Services

One of the reasons that the concept of smart cities is orchestrating in urban centers pertains to the improvement of public services in the city. In this direction, blockchain technology can serve the need of improving public service and increase the participation of urbanites in the administrative matters of the city.

Sweden is a prominent example in introducing this new technology for managing the land registries in the country. Although the project is still in a pilot phase the blockchain technology is proving beneficial for maintaining land registries in the country. The technology is eliminating the physical archives of land and title. Furthermore, blockchain is also issuing land title on the date of transaction.

Smart Education

Blockchain technology is also transcending in the domain of education and improving the extent of educational facilities to remote areas. Furthermore, the technology is being used to verify various academic documents. In the same way, students through peer-to-peer networks can share their educational documents, degrees, and transcripts with other sources. Blockchain technology is also evolving smart campuses where everything is assisted by the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain. At the most advanced stage, blockchain technology can also be used to pay the educational fee through cryptocurrency.

Smart Mobility and Transport

Blockchain can also be a precursor to smart transport systems which can help in improving mobility across the urban centers of the world. Urban policymakers across the world are contemplating establishing a transport system that promotes uninterrupted commutes in the city. As a panacea to issues of transport and mobility, blockchain technology assisted by the Internet of Things (IoT) can help to track the movement of passengers and vehicles which can help in developing transport timetables and then shared with daily users through mobile applications. By monitoring the vehicular and passenger movement, a transport schedule can be chalked out by keeping in context the needs of the commuters.

Smart Homes

Smart home often known as modern residences is the manifestation of lifestyle powered by the Internet of Things (IoT). The concept is being adopted rapidly across the urban centers which is a herald of modern lifestyle and replacing the conventional mode of living. In the light of our above discussion, blockchain technology can expedite the process of smart homes. The security in smart homes can be enhanced by clipping security systems with blockchain. The risks involved in the security system of houses can be diminished by blockchain.

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