A Smart City Initiative

Abstract

This chapter presents theoretical base for the creation of the Smart Evaluation Method (SEM) and an attempt to use this scoring method in practice for measuring environment, sport and recreation potentials of urban greens. A multi-item questionnaire instrument was used to assess selected urban parks: environment quality (air, soil, and water), natural resources (greens, water, and landscape), socio-cultural resources (as public safety), recreation and sport facilities (as children playgrounds, tennis courts, pathways), and park visitor's satisfaction. The survey was carried out in eight selected urban parks in Warsaw and Madrid. With the use of correlation, factor and graphic analysis of their quality, a number of subjective and objective factors which might determine urban greens potentials were identified. They include strong and weak points of the sport and recreation programme of urban parks which were identified. The SEM method was developed with a goal of responding to the challenges of smart city, helping to create sustainable environment and reduce negative consequences of climate change, improve information about public space programme and promote active lifestyle. The knowledge acquired on the base of the SEM innovative scoring method and its outcomes analyse could help to develop smart planning and management of urban greens, enhance the quality of life, provide healthier environment and improve the use of public space.

Thematic Tourist Trails: Sustainability Assessment Methodology. The Case of Land Flowing with Milk and Honey

“…Cultural changes under the influence of globalization, with tourism playing a significant role, are more difficult to perceive and in fact it is too late when their effects become visible. Hence the postulated need [54] is for local culture to be treated with special care by both the local community and tourists, who should be a catalyst for these attitudes. It is about respect for identity and understanding local traditions and lifestyles of local communities, while taking advantage of the economic opportunity offered by this attitude to the region of tourist interest [55,56].…”