Indicators and Digital Technologies for Assessing the Condition of Urban Soils

Abstract

Today urban soil degradation is an acute problem for many countries. The paradox is that even though urban soils are extremely valuable in terms of property and construction, they tend to be completely forgotten when it comes to the functions they perform for humankind, nature and wildlife. Rapidly developing digital technologies are a powerful tool that improves the process of environmental monitoring, in particular, the monitoring of the condition of urban soils. This paper discusses a system for monitoring the condition of urban soils given the possibilities of digital technologies, which facilitate progress in achieving the goals of sustainable urban development. This study is aimed at identifying the indicators and digital technologies that can be used for assessing the condition of urban soil. In order to achieve this goal, the authors used general scientific methods: analysis, synthesis, analogy, deduction and induction. The methodological basis for this study is the system of balanced scorecard (BS) proposed by R. Kaplan and D. Norton. The authors have compiled a strategic map for introducing the concept of a sustainable smart city based on a balanced scorecard (BS). The component “ecology” is studied and the main goals of sustainable development are analyzed according to a scheme of anthropogenic impact on urban soils. The paper discusses today’s digital technologies and proposes some urban environment indicators that can be used for assessing the condition of urban soils and components of urban environment. Not only will the suggested monitoring system provide for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the condition of the urban environment, but it will also help to manage decisions more effectively, develop the city and improve the environmental literacy of the population as a whole. Thanks to new digital technologies, cities will be able to reach a new level of sustainable development that allows the needs of the present to be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.