Edinburgh is accelerating its Smart City transformation by deploying a unified security and data management platform. The City of Edinburgh Council has adopted Genetec Security Center as the core system for its Smart City Strategy, integrating public safety, city services, and urban planning into a single platform.
The initiative aims to modernise the city’s public space security infrastructure, which previously lacked integration capabilities for emerging technologies. Supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and implemented in collaboration with North, the project includes the establishment of a Smart City Operations Centre. The centre leverages video surveillance, analytics, and IoT sensors to enhance urban management.
According to the council, a centralised approach is essential for maximising the potential of Smart City solutions. By unifying security and operational data, the system enables real-time monitoring and more efficient coordination between agencies, including Police Scotland, the Fire Service, and Transport for Edinburgh.
The technology has already contributed to expanding CCTV coverage in public areas and improving data-sharing capabilities. It plays a key role in managing large-scale events such as the Edinburgh Fringe, the Royal Military Tattoo, and Hogmanay celebrations. In addition to security functions, the platform collects and analyses data to support urban planning and infrastructure improvements.
The council reports that the new system has significantly reduced manual review times for surveillance footage and increased the number of police viewing requests it can accommodate. The improved quality of footage is also expected to contribute to more efficient legal proceedings by supporting early case resolutions.
Gavin Brown, Head of Network Management & Enforcement at Edinburgh City Council, stated that the initiative brings multiple benefits to the city, including enhanced public safety, improved service delivery, and more efficient traffic and infrastructure management. The council credits the collaboration with North and the use of an integrated platform as key elements in delivering its Smart City objectives.