
Friday November 03, 2006
[ Technology ]
Scaffolded Urban Intelligence
Technology, when weaved through the fabric of our daily lives, can
produce the effect that some have called scaffolded
intelligence--intelligence that naturally has merged into our
environment.
Great examples of this involve the use of seamless technology (i.e. technology that does not get in our way)
to allow us to navigate around. While I have some questions about the
natural-life integration of GPS navigation tools within cars, a more
interesting integration involves seamless information gathering and distribution for more effective use of
transportation artries within a city.
This type of integration has
been available in Europe for some time. Users can get accurate
information regarding bus, metro and train arrivals at particular
stations and they can plan whole trips using their mobile devices, while en route, in several
European countries.
Now, a similar system has been implemented for one of the best transportation systems in the U.S.: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
For details, see this Washington Post article: Lena H. Sun, "Web Lets Riders See Train Times From Afar," WP, Nov. 3, 2006, page B03.
2006-11-03 15:53:47.0 --
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