Use of Advanced Technologies in Sustainability of Urban Security: Geographical Information Systems

Security is a vital element without doubt not only for individuals but also states consisting of political entities due in order to sustain its civilisation. Hence, security, which is one of the requirements of being a sovereign state, is the building block permitting to nurture the components of a civilisation such as cultural, economic, social and political structure. Based on the data provided by the UN, half of humanity lives in urban areas today and 60% of this population will live in cities by 2030. The excessive agglomeration process experienced in urban areas is bringing forward the concept of security. With a systemic point of view, it can be said that a country’s security may depend on its cities’ security. Preventing or at least reducing the crime rate at urban level is becoming more significant in achieving sustainable development. In this context technological equipment including hardware and software play a great role in preventing crimes and providing control mechanisms making security management easier. Facial recognition systems, plate recognition systems, electronic monitoring systems are a few of these security systems. Geographical Information System (GIS) is another new generation concept enabling professionals to generate thematic maps for simulation in order to prevent crimes. The aim of this study is to put forward the importance of the use of GIS in preventing crimes in urban areas by giving a model proposal. The scope of the study is limited to use of GIS in security management and its implementations in Turkey and the World. In this research the model suggested has been evaluated through the method of SWOT Analysis. The study has been concluded by giving some recommendations