That’s one of the animating ideas behind a new AI tool from Canada-based UrbanLogiq, an offering that seeks to combine public- and private-sector data to give local officials a deeper look at how their communities are changing.
The company’s Global Foundation Model applies machine learning “informed by subject matter experts” to all that data so that officials can spot patterns and anticipate the future needs of their communities, according to a statement.
The tool produces what the company calls a “unified digital view of the natural and built environment,” and can map land, road, infrastructure and other features, and help public-sector professionals gains insights into how those various parts relate to one another.
“This will help democratize data governance,” CEO Mark Masongsong told Government Technology, adding that the new AI offering can help “smaller communities build better models.”
Those models could aid officials in dealing with a host of issues, including climate risk, wildfires and infrastructure repairs.
The company has also launched what it calls a Strategic Alliance Program via which government and other organizations can contribute data and share their expertise to further aid with the development of this AI tool.
WSP Global Inc., an engineering and professional services firm, has already joined the Strategic Alliance Program. So has Cubic ITS, which focuses on transportation.
“We’re committed to shaping the future of mobility through innovation and collaboration,” said Geoff Scalf, ITS senior product director at Cubic, in the statement. “The strategic alliance with UrbanLogiq is a powerful step toward delivering integrated, data-driven solutions that help transportation agencies build more efficient and resilient systems.”
In return, those who take part in that effort get access to insights from the UrbanLogiq platform along with other perks, according to the statement.
As those other groups contribute more data, the AI model can provide more insights, the company said, describing the process as a continuous feedback loop that will lead to better forecasts and planning.
