In Scotland, video surveillance and a multitude of sensors will be used to make this city smarter

EDINBURGH: Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, is to deploy a brand new intelligent surveillance system, initially designed to combat crime and improve traffic flow. The idea is that over time, it should help the city adapt its policies to the habits of residents, while also helping it improve its carbon footprint.

In partnership with network security specialist North, the city is inaugurating a connected monitoring centre capable of processing real-time video surveillance data 24 hours a day.

All this data will be captured by the new system deployed throughout the city, a system that has been considerably expanded compared to what may have existed previously.

The new programme aims to protect residents by combating "anti-social behaviour" and crime, while it also learns how to manage traffic (cars and public transport) in order to make it more fluid and gradually reduce the city's carbon footprint.

This data will also help to better manage specific events such as Hogmanay (New Year's Eve celebrations) or the Fringe, the art festival that takes place in the city every year in August.

Over time, other sensors will gradually be integrated into this device, in order to monitor the volume and collection of waste.

The aim of this ultra-modern control centre is to be able to provide ever more efficient public services for the population of Edinburgh, while respecting the environment.