Scientists Looking to Solve the Problem of Slums Devise a New Way to Look at Big Data

by Rebecca Ruiz – January, 22, 2013 – txchnologist.com

Photo txchnologist.com

Around the world, slums are home to an estimated 1 billion residents. From Manila to Sao Paolo to Mumbai, they are crucibles of urbanization where the poor try to eke out an existence without crucial public services like sewage, electricity and water.
For years, Slum Dwellers International, a network of community organizations working in 33 countries, has collected data from thousands of slums globally in an effort to provide leverage to settlements during negotiations with local officials to improve living conditions.

Looking at the details inside the big picture

Now, in the era of big data, that information may have a reach far beyond slum limits. In November, SDI partnered with the Santa Fe Institute, a nonprofit research center, to study the collected facts and figures to better understand slums worldwide and build a scientific view of cities.

Read more: http://txchnologist.com/scientists-looking-to-solve-the-problem-of-slums-devise