Using Smart City Technology to Create a Smart Lake

Abstract

This paper investigates the selection and development of a software platform to relay operational information from a saline lake to Council’s Operations Team. The software package was initially used as a communication tool for residents to report issues associated with Council’s assets. Due to the highly adaptable nature of Microsoft azure it also had the potential to relay telemetry aspects of the lake water quality monitoring stations and pump station operations. The software also has the capability to provide other operation and maintenance aspects for the lake; these are to be developed in the future. The selection process and development of this software platform to control the lake is a good example of how effective decision making during the planning phase can provide a futureproof system which optimises the use of Capital expenditure (CapEx) and Operational expenditure (OpEx). The adaptability of the Microsoft Azure platform and Council’s existing subscription for their Smart Cities initiative is a good example of appropriate use of existing assets