Newsroom / IERTEC
ConnecZahara: a technological leap in the heart of the Sierra de Cádiz
From medieval town to digital town. Working with 3Dalia and with support from the Smart City Clúster, IERTEC has enabled the mountain town of Zahara de la Sierra to use Big Data technology to connect the town with tourists, creating a data mesh that reveals the behaviour and preferences of […]
From medieval town to digital town. Working with 3Dalia and with support from the Smart City Clúster, IERTEC has enabled the mountain town of Zahara de la Sierra to use Big Data technology to connect the town with tourists, creating a data mesh that reveals visitors' behaviour and preferences in real time.
Thanks to the ConnecZahara project, tourists who wish to do so can connect with businesses, shops, the Town Council and all the services the town offers through Bluetooth or a QR code. They can then start receiving notifications on their mobile phones to make their visit easier and more fulfilling.
How does it work?
The technological mesh involves placing small sensors throughout the town to provide data on tourists' locations. In turn, visitors can access all available information and services simply by connecting to the network through their mobile phones. These sensors, developed by IERTEC, have already been used in other environments such as motorways, roads and shopping centres.
While tourists receive data from the application, the Town Council can also see in real time where they are, which streets they use most and their preferred parking locations. This information will then be used to improve visitors' experiences. The system provides invaluable data for decision-making.
‘The sensors, which are practically invisible, detect users' Bluetooth signals,’ explains Jaime Oliva, IERTEC's CEO. ‘This tells us where they are, where they are going, how long they stay in an area, and reveals very interesting behavioural patterns.’
The project includes intelligent signage adapted for people with disabilities. So far, 15 content points have been created through the project. These cover 11 viewpoints and four so-called magical points, associated with local heritage. The project also includes the local business community, which will be able to use this technology to issue alerts about local products or services on offer, interacting with residents and visitors alike.
