Launching the First Mobility Point in Riga

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The Riga Municipal Agency “Riga Energy Agency” has launched the first mobility point in Riga and Latvia in the VEF district, connecting different sustainable modes of transport and offering convenient access to micro mobility and public transport opportunities. The mobility point will also serve as a pilot area for deployment of innovative, data-based solutions, with both a bicycle and pedestrian counter and a testbed for smart city solutions.

The newly established mobility point infrastructure at the intersection of Brīvības gatve and Gustava Zemgala gatve offers convenient bicycle parking spaces, a bicycle repair station, an electric scooter and bicycle sharing rental point, as well as a smart solar bench, providing free Wi-Fi and solar charging for smart devices.

The mobility point in the VEF district has been implemented to promote sustainable transportation by connecting the public transport system with shared transport modes and cycling network. The overall strategic objective for development of the mobility points network in Riga city is to provide unlimited opportunities for fast, convenient, safe and comfortable commuting in the city without the use of conventional fossil-fuel vehicles, thus contributing to the achievement of the climate neutrality goals of the City of Riga.

Compared to other mobility points in Europe, the solution developed in the VEF area is unique in terms of target audience, as it has taken into consideration not only the mobility needs of citizens, but also the interest of scientists and entrepreneurs involved in data collecting, opening up and promoting innovative data solutions. A newly designed pedestrian and bicycle counter has been installed at the mobility point, answering the need for long-term data processing on the intensity of pedestrian and bicycle traffic in Riga. There is also a testbed station with electrical connection – for piloting the Internet of Things (IoT), machine vision and other solutions, as well as for collecting various open data of the city.

There are two sensors currently installed at the VEF mobility point test bed station, the data of which will be published on Internet. Data is collected on more than 10 different indicators, including air pollution, noise level and movement, air temperature, humidity, as well as photosynthetically active and total solar radiation.

The technology testbed station allows to improve performance of the systems, makes the solutions more resistant to environmental influences. The involved partners are expressing satisfaction with the activity and development of the VEF ecosystem, as it is essential for both entrepreneurs and scientists in testing prototypes and proving concepts.

As noted by the Riga Municipal Agency “Riga Energy Agency”, the VEF district mobility point is a prototype, results of which will serve as the basis for further development of mobility points in Riga and potentially also in other cities in Latvia. The City of Riga has already earmarked municipal funding for deployment of the next mobility points in other neighbourhood centres of the city.

What is GEO RIGA?

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GEO RIGA is a centralised publishing platform of geospatial data maintained in municipal structural units created by the Riga City Municipality. GEO RIGA serves the municipality to initiate a dialogue – data exchange with society, providing access to geospatial data about the administrative territory of Riga City to various societal groups, including residents, neighbourhood activists, investors and entrepreneurs, innovation creators and researchers, other state and municipality institutions.

What is the purpose?

The purpose of GEO RIGA is to give an easy and simple access to the geospatial data held by the municipality – to view, combine and use the data for own needs. The availability of data that reflect the current situation in the city increases the transparency of the municipality work and allows the user receive data services easily and conveniently, supporting social and economic initiatives. In the GEO RIGA thematic maps, it is possible to view the basic data of Riga in various combinations, including cadastral and address information, graphic parts of Riga territorial plans, information on the immovable property of the municipality and its companies, waste management in Riga and other data.

What the benefits are?

GEO RIGA provides remote and convenient access to the geospatial information held by the municipality, allows to combine various geospatial information available on the portal without using intermediaries – licensed software or paid services, reduces the need for individuals to turn to institutions for information and advice, gradually, it will ensure effective communication and feedback, for example, for public consultation, survey, and similar cases, supporting the society’s desire to be informed and participate in the city’s development processes.

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Riga’s Digital Renaissance: Embracing the IoT Wave

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Nestled on the Baltic Sea’s coastlines, Riga, the Latvian capital, has long been celebrated for its Gothic spires, art nouveau architecture, and rich history. Today, it’s adding another feather to its cap: becoming a Smart City. Riga’s transformation is an emblem of how Internet of Things (IoT) can rejuvenate cities with digital threads, rendering them smarter, more efficient, and attuned to the needs of their citizens.

The Smart Riga initiative is weaving a dense mesh of IoT devices across the cityscape. Traffic lights now communicate with vehicles, optimizing the flow of traffic and reducing congestion. Waste bins equipped with sensors notify collection trucks when they’re full, ensuring timely pickups and optimizing routes. Even the ancient streets of Riga are now embedded with sensors that help monitor and manage crowd density during peak tourist seasons.

Residents and tourists alike benefit from smart lampposts which not only illuminate streets but also double as Wi-Fi hotspots and charging stations. These pillars of light are now becoming hubs of digital interaction. Meanwhile, Riga’s public parks are using IoT for precision irrigation, conserving water while ensuring lush landscapes.

Yet, it’s not just about efficiency. By harnessing the power of data, Riga’s administrators gain insights into urban patterns, enabling them to make proactive decisions that benefit both the environment and the populace. This fusion of history with technology makes Riga a compelling case study of how tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously.

The digital renaissance of Riga shows that with the right vision, even cities steeped in history can leapfrog into the future, setting a precedent for urban metamorphosis worldwide.

EcoVille Pioneers Urban Farming Revolution with Vertical Gardens

*ECOVILLE* — The skyline of EcoVille, a city already renowned for its green initiatives, is set to undergo a transformation as it embraces the next big wave in sustainable urban living: vertical gardens. These towering green structures, a testament to human ingenuity and a commitment to the environment, are sprouting up across the city’s central district, providing not just aesthetic pleasure but also tangible benefits for residents and the environment.

The vertical gardening movement, which has gained traction globally, focuses on utilizing building facades, rooftops, and other vertical spaces for agricultural purposes. With limited space in urban areas for traditional farming, vertical gardens offer a practical and efficient solution.

Highlights of EcoVille’s vertical garden initiative include:

1. **Biodiversity Boost:** These green towers are designed to accommodate a variety of plant species, creating a thriving ecosystem that promotes local biodiversity. Native plants, flowering species, and even some small fruit trees find a home on these vertical plots.

2. **Air Quality Improvement:** As these gardens proliferate, they act as natural air filters. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality and providing residents with cleaner, fresher air.

3. **Urban Cooling:** The presence of these gardens can reduce the urban heat island effect, wherein cities become significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas. By introducing more green spaces, the city hopes to regulate temperatures, especially during scorching summer months.

4. **Local Produce:** Some of these vertical gardens are dedicated to edible crops. This initiative aids in the production of local, organic produce, reducing the city’s reliance on imported goods and lowering carbon footprints associated with transportation.

Mayor Lena Patterson shared her vision at the launch of the project, “EcoVille has always been at the forefront of sustainable initiatives. With these vertical gardens, we aim to redefine urban living, ensuring our residents have access to green spaces and fresh produce, right in the heart of the city.”

The initiative has been made possible due to a collaboration between the city council and GreenTowers, a startup specializing in vertical farming techniques. Jason Cole, the founder of GreenTowers, believes that cities like EcoVille set the standard for future urban planning. “It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both humans and the environment,” he stated.

Residents have welcomed the initiative with open arms. Local school teacher, Clara Mitchell, mentioned, “It’s refreshing to see greenery amidst the concrete. Plus, my students are excited to learn about urban farming firsthand!”

As EcoVille’s skyline turns greener, it sets an inspiring example for urban centers worldwide. The vertical gardening movement, while still in its infancy, holds promise for a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between cities and nature.

Smart Riga Unveils New Smart Street Lights in Collaboration with TET

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*RIGA* — The city of Riga, known for its commitment to incorporating modern technological solutions into its urban infrastructure, has announced a pioneering collaboration with TET, a leading telecommunications and technology service provider. The partnership aims to transform the cityscape with the installation of smart street lights that are designed to improve energy efficiency, enhance public safety, and offer a host of other innovative features.

The new smart street lights are set to replace thousands of traditional luminaires in Riga over the next two years, reflecting the city’s dedication to sustainable urban development and its push towards becoming a recognized smart city in Europe. These new fixtures will not only provide essential illumination but will also serve multiple functions that are expected to revolutionize the way residents experience nighttime in Riga.

Key features of these smart street lights include:

1. **Energy Efficiency:** The LED technology employed ensures a significant reduction in power consumption compared to conventional street lights. This initiative is expected to reduce the city’s energy costs by up to 60%, aligning with Riga’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reduced carbon footprints.

2. **Adaptive Lighting:** Sensors embedded within the lights will detect human and vehicular movement, adjusting the intensity of the light accordingly. This feature not only conserves energy but also ensures that areas remain well-lit when needed, promoting safety.

3. **Integrated Communication Hub:** The lights will also serve as communication hubs. In partnership with TET, they will be equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, turning various spots around the city into connectivity hotspots. This initiative will further bridge the digital divide, offering residents and tourists seamless internet connectivity.

4. **Data Collection and Analysis:** With inbuilt sensors, the smart lights can gather data about traffic patterns, weather conditions, and more. This data, when analyzed, will offer insights into improving urban planning and traffic management.

5. **Emergency Response Integration:** In the case of emergencies, the lights can be manipulated to flash or change colors, guiding first responders or indicating areas of concern. This function is expected to bolster public safety efforts and improve emergency response times.

Ivars Brikmanis, the city’s Mayor, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Working with TET, a homegrown innovation leader, we are redefining the role of street lights in urban landscapes. Our aim is not just to illuminate Riga, but to make it smarter, safer, and more connected.”

On the other hand, Līga Rozenberga, CEO of TET, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing the urban experience in Riga. “This project is a testament to TET’s commitment to leveraging technology for public benefit. Together with the city of Riga, we are setting a benchmark for what modern cities can achieve with smart technology.”

As the pilot phase rolls out, both parties have assured residents that the transition will be smooth. Initial feedback from areas where the lights have been installed has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents appreciating the adaptive lighting feature and the enhanced connectivity.

In the broader context of global urban development, this partnership is a testament to how cities can harness technology to improve the quality of life for their residents. As Riga continues on its journey to becoming a beacon of smart urban development in Europe, other cities are sure to take note and follow suit.