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NEC and Hirosaki City Collaborate on a GIS-Based Data Utilization Trial

In an innovative initiative, NEC Corporation and Hirosaki City have teamed up for a groundbreaking trial aimed at optimizing data utilization through GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technologies. This project, set to run from October 2024 to June 2025, focuses on addressing local challenges by merging municipal data with private sector information to visualize and analyze these datasets.

Overview of the Project

Under the leadership of NEC's CEO, Takayuki Morita, the collaboration seeks to enhance both the efficiency of information sharing within the municipality and the sophistication of policy-making based on solid data insights. During this trial, various data sources will be leveraged to set specific use cases pertinent to Hirosaki City. The visualization of data on a unified GIS platform signifies a move towards a more integrated approach, potentially extending beyond the current use cases to other fields as well.

Selected Use Cases

The trial will explore two significant use cases:
1. Safety Measures for School Routes
2. Analyzing Tourist Movements

By focusing on these specific areas, the project aims to utilize historical data, accident risk assessments, and private sector contributions to create actionable insights.

Safety Measures for School Routes

To address school safety, the project will provide a comprehensive 'School Route Safety Map', superimposing data about risk levels, historical inspections, and accident occurrences. The map will facilitate an informed approach toward examining various risks and allow for timely updates and enhancements in safety protocols between the city and local schools.
This digital approach promises to improve the speed and quality of information exchange compared to traditional paper methods, thereby ensuring that risk assessment processes are grounded in current, real-time data.

Analyzing Tourist Movements

In another area of focus, the initiative will analyze tourist behavior, particularly during significant events like the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival. Utilizing both tourism data and visitor surveys, the project aspires to reveal valuable insights into tourist expenditures and patterns. By visualizing visitor flows through business intelligence tools, the efficacy of tourism strategies will be critically evaluated, ultimately informing future tourism policies and promotional efforts.

Future Prospects

Leveraging the research and outcomes from this trial, NEC envisions a broader application of this GIS platform. This includes extending data sharing to the community, thus establishing a dual communication framework between the government and residents. The ambition is not merely to resolve existing challenges but also to enhance digital transformation (DX) initiatives within local governments. NEC plans to support municipalities in developing and implementing data utilization strategies from concept to operational permanence.

As for Hirosaki City, the trial will accelerate the digitization of its held data, aiming towards a future where accessible, objective information drives effective governance and improved public services.

In pursuit of enhancing urban services and ensuring efficient administration, Hirosaki intends to continue refining its DX initiatives, with a strong emphasis on resolving challenges through robust data integration.

How to Get In Touch

For inquiries regarding this project:

• - NEC's Public Sector Integration Division

Visit: NEC Data Utilization
Email: [email protected]

• - Hirosaki City

Department of General Affairs, Information Systems Division
Tourism Division
School Infrastructure Division
Email: [email protected]

This trial represents a pivotal step toward realizing data-led governance, fostering a smart city model tailored to enhance quality of life in Hirosaki.