AI and Satellite Data Unveil Landfill Sites in Ama’s Ucronia Program

The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite data is transforming urban management in Rome through the Ucronia program launched by AMA. This innovative initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and promote sustainability by prioritizing street cleaning and identifying illegal landfills alongside fire risk areas.

Key Features of the Ucronia Program

AMA is actively demonstrating its Ucronia program at the Smart City World Congress, taking place in Barcelona from November 4 to 6. This international event showcases various technological startups and urban innovation projects, where AMA presents its latest advancements in digital urban services.

Digital Transformation Initiatives

• GeoDigital Twin: Ucronia utilizes a “GeoDigital Twin” to conduct precise mapping of urban hygiene activities.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The program enables strategic decisions that enhance service quality and foster a circular economy.
• Collaboration: The initiative is supported by internal resources and collaborative efforts with the City of Rome and partner companies.

Advanced AI and Satellite Data Integration

The integration of AI with satellite data promises to elevate service management from a reactive to a predictive model. AMA has enhanced its operations following a July agreement with the European Space Agency (Esa), allowing data access that refines intervention schedules based on actual needs.

For instance, the AI system can correlate information about storm drains with rainfall forecasts and seasonal leaf fall. This capability allows teams to prioritize cleaning efforts at locations prone to water accumulation and road flooding.

Addressing Illegal Dumping and Fire Risks

Ucronia employs satellite imagery to detect illegal landfills, integrating this data with information regarding traffic, population density, and land use. This approach aids in curbing illegal activities, benefiting both the environment and urban aesthetics.

Moreover, AMA collaborates with the City of Rome and civil protection services to assess fire risk areas. Factors considered include temperature, vegetation, and the presence of illegal dumpsites. This proactive strategy ensures that prevention teams can respond to fire hazards before they escalate.

Real-Time Interactive Mapping

The Ucronia system also features real-time interactive maps for managing large events. This capability significantly supported sanitation efforts during significant gatherings, such as the funerals of Pope Francis and other ceremonies during the Jubilee, accommodating over one million attendees.

Giuseppe Morone, Head of Geodigital Transformation at AMA, noted that Ucronia processes more than 250 million data points daily. These come from various sources, including field personnel, vehicles, smart container sensors, cameras, and satellite imagery. The fusion of georeferencing and AI facilitates predictive modeling, creating a detailed digital twin of the city that visualizes waste distribution and identifies critical intervention points.

Overall, the Ucronia program represents a significant leap towards a cleaner and more efficient Rome, leveraging technology to optimize urban services while ensuring data protection and service continuity.