Smart Towns
‘A smart town is an urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect data. Insights gained from that data are used to manage assets, resources, and services efficiently; in return, that data is used to improve operations and future prosperity across the town.’ (Source: Smart Towns Cymru)
Case studies
Case studies of various places in Wales using technology to strengthen their place.
Other resources
Smart Towns Cymru
Information on Data Privacy and Cyber Security
Guidance and best practice relating to data privacy and cyber security, including GDPR compliance and example public Wi-Fi Terms of Use.
Videos of Smart Towns Cymru Smart Solution Showcases events, Case Studies and Masterclasses.
A comprehensive guide for how stakeholders can design, plan, deliver and evaluate place-specific Smart Towns projects.
LoRaWAN and the Internet of Things
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) is a low-power wireless network technology suited to the needs of Internet of Things devices (physical objects embedded with sensors and connected to a network).
Case studies
Smart Towns Cymru Case Studies of Abergavenny, Bangor and Crickhowell
Case studies of three towns in Wales with plans to install and use LoRaWAN gateways and sensors.
Welsh Government Digital and Data Blog:
LoRaWAN – Fighting crime and tackling climate change
An overview of how Barcud Housing Association use LoRaWAN.
Superfast Business Wales
Five case studies of businesses in various sectors using the Internet of Things.
Other resources
BCS Mid-Wales Branch
LoRaWAN, what is it, and who’s using it in Wales
A 2020 presentation introducing LoRaWAN and IoT in Wales, delivered by Peter Williams, Technical Relationships Manager (Digital Infrastructure) within Welsh Government.
Coleg Cambria
How Can Your Business Benefit From The Internet Of Things (Iot)
A free online course providing an introduction to the Internet of Things delivered by Coleg Cambria, starting on 14 September 2023.
Farming Connect
‘Paving the way for ‘Internet of Things’ on Welsh farms
An article introducing two innovation projects exploring the use of LoRaWAN in an agricultural context. Includes a jargon buster section.
The Internet of Things with LoRaWAN
A leaflet providing an introduction to LoRaWAN in an agricultural context.
Morgan Walsh Consultancy Ltd
Many useful videos about LoRaWAN and the Internet of Things, produced by Gary Howell of Morgan Walsh Consulting Ltd.
SenseAbility Ltd
Videos demonstrating how LoRaWAN can be used for heating, energy and building management, and refrigeration monitoring, alerting and efficiency.
Smart Towns Cymru
Cisco Meraki 3rd Masterclass // Dave Veryard - Basics of Internet of Things
A masterclass providing a high-level introduction to the Internet of Things.
Superfast Business Wales
Information on how the Internet of Things can help businesses in Wales.
The Things Network
A guide to LoRa, LoRaWAN and suitable use cases, in the context of The Things Network, an open network for Internet of Things applications.
A tool to map the coverage of LoRaWAN networks like those using The Things Network.
Vodafone
A service to check coverage of Vodafone’s NB-IoT service.
Public Wi-Fi using Cisco Meraki
As part of the ‘Year Of Smart Towns’ initiative, all local authorities in Wales were provided with Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi access points for providing public Wi-Fi and collecting smart footfall data.
Case study
Smart Towns Cymru
Using Cisco Meraki footfall data to assess the Closure of Menai Bridge
A case study of how Cisco Meraki footfall data can be used to measure the impact of the closure of the Menai Bridge.
Other resources
Smart Towns Cymru
A video workshop providing an in-depth look at the Cisco Meraki dashboard.
A Guidebook and Privacy document for the Cisco Meraki Wi-Fi system, provided by Welsh Government to every local authority in Wales and used in many towns across the country.
Digital inclusion and essential digital skills
Making sure that all individuals and communities have access to and the skills to make the most of digital devices and the internet.
Resources
Practical IT information for businesses.
Cwmpas Digital Toolkit 7 – Digital skills and training
A framework and other resources related to digital skills and training within an organisation.
Digital Communities Wales: Digital Inclusion Charter
A Charter ‘to support and champion organisations working in the public, private or third sector in Wales who are willing to promote basic digital skills and help people get online’.
HM Government Essential Skills -Skills for Life
A free classroom-based course for people aged 19 or over with little or no experience using computers and other digital devices or with few digital skills.