A new measure is being created in field of action 2 Urban development, environment and transport: "Pedestrian frequency measurement in Jena's city center"

The originally planned measure "Digital mobility optimization" was fundamentally changed. The funding provider has postponed the review of the submitted concept until it has been revised. Originally, the measure comprised two sub-measures: the "implementation of a local traffic flow analysis" and the "establishment of a smart service for mobility offers".

As part of the revision, various stakeholders in the urban network were asked about current mobility issues. This revealed that pedestrian frequency measurements are currently still being collected manually and that there is a considerable need for more precise, continuous data. The Smart City Jena project has therefore decided to realign the measure and replace it with the new measure "Pedestrian frequency measurement in Jena's city center".

Background: Pedestrian frequency measurement in Jena's city center

The aim of the new measure is to continuously record and analyze the attractiveness and vibrancy of Jena's city center through the use of digital technologies. The survey of pedestrian flows enables well-founded decisions to be made for urban development.

To this end, modern sensors are being installed at several strategic locations in the city center. The collected data is processed on the city of Jena's urban data platform, which provides standardized analysis and visualization tools.

Why is pedestrian frequency measurement important?

City centers are not only places of commerce, but also central spaces for business, culture, politics and social life. They reflect social changes and are particularly affected by challenges such as changing consumer habits or staff shortages in the retail sector.

These developments are also evident in Jena: Rising vacancy rates in shopping centers and declining purchasing power retention are signs of profound structural change. In order to not only observe these changes, but to actively shape them, data-based urban development is crucial. Measuring footfall is a key tool for making the effects of major urban development projects, events and other measures visible.

Objectives and benefits for the urban development, environment and transport field of action

The project offers the opportunity to test innovative technologies in practice and to gain insights that can also be transferred to other cities in line with the Smart City model project.

The focus of the field of action is on practical implementation: it is less about changing fundamental structures and more about using digital technologies to improve daily life in the city.

With the introduction of pedestrian frequency measurement, Jena is taking an important step towards actively supporting change in the city center - and further developing it as a vibrant, sustainable center.