Smart maps to help realise smart cities: Study

Smart maps - an interactive mapping system that generates immersive images - could contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's smart cities project, saving 13,000 lives and reduce one million metric tonnes of carbon emissions a year, according to a new study.

'Smart Maps for Smart Cities: India's $8 Billion+ Opportunity', published by Dalberg Global Development Advisors in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry, quantified the value of smart maps to Indian citizens, businesses and government within the context of the country's urban development.

The report details how smart maps can facilitate the development of smart cities in ways that add up to economic benefits for citizens, businesses, and government, said a statement by Dalberg.

"The report shows that by liberalising policy to enable the best technology to be applied to the mapping sector, we can spur innovation in this industry and equip society with a critical tool for driving positive social and economic impact," said Gaurav Gupta, the managing director of Dalberg Asia.

Built on detailed analyses of nine high-potential uses of maps, the study highlights that such maps can help India gain upwards of $8 billion in savings and value, save 13,000 lives and reduce one million metric tons of carbon emissions a year in cities alone, the statement said.

Fewer than half of India's five million km of roads are mapped today, while only 10 to 20 percent of the country's businesses are listed on online maps.

To this effect, by providing real-time updates and accurate traffic information, smart maps have the potential to save $1.6 billion in productive time and fuel as well as help improve emergency service responses, the statement said.