Role of big data and technological advancements in monitoring and development of smart cities

Driven by rapid advancements in technology and data science, a revolutionary transformation is sweeping across environmentally friendly cities worldwide. This surge stems from a pressing need to tackle the intricate complexities of urban sustainability, encompassing everything from infrastructure and governance to fragmented design and technological solutions. To effectively manage these complexities and accurately measure, assess, and optimize their sustainability performance, sustainable communities are increasingly tapping into the potential of smart city technologies, particularly big data and its fictionalized applications. This trend culminates in the emergence of smart cities. This article delves into the current state of research surrounding data-driven, environmentally conscious smart cities, aiming to assess the extent to which these two concepts are currently being integrated and identify potential gaps in this field. Through a strong emphasis on evidence-based research, the study underscores the potential of big data technologies to offer innovative approaches for monitoring, comprehending, evaluating, and ultimately managing sustainable urban development. It further highlights the crucial role of data-driven advancements in formulating strategic development policies and operational management procedures, ensuring that environmentally conscious cities can continue to contribute to sustainability goals even amidst rapid urbanization.