The Atlas of Urban Tech

The Atlas of Urban Tech collects case studies created by urban tech students analyzing how city governments and urban innovators are using digital technology to make cities stronger, fairer, and more resilient. These case studies were created by students enrolled in the “Smart Cities: Requirements, Ambitions, and Limitations” course, taught by Anthony Townsend.

Launched in August 2023 with an initial group of 16 case studies, and expanded in July 2024, the Atlas is fast becoming a critical repository for students, scholars, and global practitioners Currently, the Atlas contains more than 30 case studies from around the world covering two categories of smart city projects:

Digital master plans are comprehensive, long-range plans adopted by municipalities to guide policy, planning, and investment in smart city and urban tech solutions. These cases help us understand the technology priorities, strategies, and interventions of city governments.

Tech-enabled districts are neighborhood-scale real estate development projects that combine buildings, utilities, and digital services to create value for tenants, residents, and visitors. These cases help us understand the opportunities, risks, and rewards facing private sector investors.