Leveraging IoT and Machine Learning for Smart Urban Planning

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) transforms the way cities are planned, developed, and managed, creating a new era of smart urban planning. By connecting physical infrastructure with real-time data, IoT devices enable cities to collect and analyze large amounts of information on data like traffic patterns and energy usage to air quality and public services. When paired with the predictive capabilities of machine learning, this data can optimize urban systems, enhance sustainability, and improve residential quality of life. Smart urban planning powered by IoT and ML facilitates more efficient resource management while fostering greater resilience in the face of urban challenges, such as population growth, environmental pressures, and climate change. This innovative approach may help create cities that are smarter, more adaptive, and better equipped to meet future needs. Leveraging IoT and Machine Learning for Smart Urban Planning explores the integration of IoT and machine learning technologies to create smarter, more efficient, and sustainable environments. It covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and real-world case studies across various sectors including urban planning, transportation, energy management, agriculture, healthcare, water resources, and waste management. This book covers topics such as citizen engagement, renewable energy, smart cities, and is a useful resource for policymakers, business owners, engineers, sociologists, academicians, researchers, and data scientists.

Muneer Ahmad is an accomplished academic and researcher with over 20 years of experience in computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia. Dr. Ahmad has worked in prestigious institutions across the globe, including the University of Roehampton in London, Woosong University in South Korea, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan, University of Malaya, King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia, and Hazara University in Pakistan. Dr. Ahmad has published over 100 research articles in respected journals, alongside numerous conference papers and book chapters. His research has made significant contributions to AI, data science, automated crop yield estimation, smart farming, and healthcare improvements using deep learning models. He has secured substantial research grants and led more than a dozen major research projects in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. In addition to his research, Dr. Ahmad is dedicated to teaching and mentoring. He has supervised over 50 students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. levels, providing guidance in their academic and professional development. His innovative teaching methods, including the flipped classroom model, have been highly effective in fostering critical thinking and deep learning. Dr. Ahmad's commitment to professional development is evident through his active participation in scholarly activities and professional organizations. He serves as a guest editor for special issues in esteemed journals and is a member of IEEE and the British Computing Society (BCS). His extensive academic and research experience, leadership roles, and dedication to innovation make him a valuable asset to the educational community.

Rafia Mumtaz , a distinguished scholar, received the NUST Endowment Fund Scholarship for her MS studies (2004-2006) and a scholarship for her Ph.D. studies at the University of Surrey, UK. She is a Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty of Computing at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. She has excelled in academia and research, publishing over 70 papers and earning accolades like HEC Best University Teacher Award (2022), and School Best Researcher Award (2019). Her pioneering work in precision agriculture earned her Women of Wonders Award (2021). Her leadership and IoT lab have secured grants worth Rs. 174 million and created a joint lab with Coventry University, UK with the name NUST-Coventry Internet of Things Lab, the first in NUST's and Coventry University's history. Her applied research in environmental monitoring has yielded patents and high-impact solutions. Her mentorship has guided students to international success, and she remains dedicated to advancing science and engineering.

Muhammad Ajmal Khan is a distinguished academic and professional currently serving as the Professor, Principal, and Dean at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (SEECS) at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad, Pakistan. Dr. Khan completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University, USA, in 2008. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from NUST, Islamabad, which he obtained in 2004, and a Bachelor’s degree in Avionics Engineering from NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, earned in 1991. His research interests span across micro-electronics, image processing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine learning. With a robust professional background, Dr. Khan has held various significant positions. Since 2021, he has been the Principal and Dean at SEECS, NUST. Prior to this, he served as the Commandant of CAE at NUST (2020-2021) and Deputy Director General of Crypto R&D in Islamabad (2019-2020). He has also been the Dean at NUST (CAE) from 2018 to 2019 and headed the Avionics Engineering Department at NUST (CAE) during 2016-2017. Additionally, he was the Director of the Crypto Research Centre in Islamabad from 2013 to 2016 and an Associate Professor at NUST (CAE) from 2009 to 2012. His career began as an Avionics Engineer, a role he fulfilled from 1992 to 2002. Dr. Khan is actively involved in several professional organizations. He is a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society in Pakistan and a Professional Engineer accredited by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). His outstanding contributions to academia and engineering have been recognized through several honors and awards.