The main difference between smart city and satellite city is that a smart city is a technologically advanced city while a satellite city is a smaller urban area located close to a large metropolis.
Although the two terms smart city and satellite city sound somewhat similar, they refer to two totally different concepts. A smart city is a larger metropolitan area that uses high-end technology, while a satellite city is a smaller urban area that is located in close proximity to a large metropolis.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Smart City
– Definition, Features
2. What is a Satellite City
– Definition, Features, Benefits
3. Difference Between Smart City and Satellite City
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Smart City, Satellite City
What is a Smart City
A smart city is a technologically modern city that uses various types of electronic methods and sensors to collect specific data. In fact, IBM defines it as a city “that makes optimal use of all the interconnected information available today to better understand and control its operations and optimize the use of limited resources.” As evident by this definition, a smart city uses different types of software programs, user interfaces, communication networks, as well as the Internet of Things to share information with the public, improve the operational efficiency of the city, and provide better government services and citizen welfare. Some important features of a smart city include effective and highly functional public transportation, progressive city plants, environmental initiatives, and infrastructure based on technology.
Singapore, Tokyo, Dubai, London, Melbourne, and Hong Kong are some examples of smart cities in the world. If we take the case of Singapore, it uses IoT cameras to monitor the cleanliness of public places, movement of registered vehicles, and crowd density. This city also has systems to monitor water use, waste management, and energy use in real time. Overall, a smart city aims to optimize city functions, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens with the use of smart technologies and data analysis.
What is a Satellite City
A satellite city is a small urban area that is located close to a large metropolitan area. It is the traditional downtown surrounded by the neighborhoods of the inner city. The name satellite city comes from the concept of man-made satellites that are launched into orbit. A satellite orbits the Earth, but it’s not a part of Earth. In the same way, a satellite city is next to a metropolitan, but it’s not part of that metropolitan. They are separate from the metropolis by geographic barriers or territory lines. Whenever there is a large metropolis, one or more satellite cities can be found near it. For example, the cities of Pakenham, Dandenong, and Sunbury are satellite cities of Melbourne, Australia. Similarly, Bethlehem and Allentown are satellites of New York.
Satellite cities provide a good solution to the issue of urbanization. For example, traffic problem in the metropolis and the high land value makes it difficult for individuals and businesses to relocate to other areas. Moreover, satellite cities often help the metropolis to extend in an effective way.
Difference Between Smart City and Satellite City
Definition
A smart city is a technologically modern city that uses various types of electronic methods and sensors to collect specific data while a satellite city is a small urban area that is located close to a large metropolitan area.
Nature
The term smart city refers to the city’s use of modern technology to improve the quality of life of citizens, promote economic growth, and optimize the functions of the city. The term satellite city, on the other hand, refers to a city’s geographical proximity to a larger metropolitan area.
Examples
Singapore, Tokyo, Dubai, London, Melbourne, and Hong Kong are some examples of smart cities, while Pakenham, Dandenong, and Sunbury are satellite cities of Melbourne, Australia.
Cost of Living
Smart cities tend to have a higher cost of living than satellite cities.
Land value
The land value in smart cities is very high, while the land value in satellite cities is more affordable.
Conclusion
The main difference between smart city and satellite city is that a smart city is a technologically advanced city while a satellite city is a smaller urban area located close to a large metropolis. If you want to live in the heart of the city, a satellite city is a good option for you, but if you prefer a quieter life in a city, a satellite city is a better option for you.
Reference:
1. “What is a Smart City?” TWI Global.
2. “Satellite City.” Planning Tank
Image Courtesy:
1. “Clean mobility instead of dirty traffic” By Bartz/Stockmar (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Greater Melbourne Map 4 – May 2008” By Diliff – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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