Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) make city management more effective. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

"The public security bureau of the East Lake High-tech Development Zone reminds you that this section of the road is a temporary parking area. Please leave as soon as possible," announced an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a driver. The driver left the road section as soon as he heard the reminder.

The drone was operated by Wang Yunkun, a staff member from the GDU Tech Co, a high-tech company based in the zone, which is also known as the Optics Valley of China, or OVC, and is a successful example of cooperation between the local government and enterprises in city management.

 "The drone sends real-time pictures to the police command center, which then either informs policemen to handle accidents at specific points or sends direct messages to drivers involved through the drone based on the pictures analyzed, addressing traffic congestion more effectively," said Wang.

"Before, we depended on video information sent by cameras at fixed points. The drone's flight route is much more flexible, and the filming angles more comprehensive, making it highly effective in dispersing traffic and carrying out routine patrols," said Li Zijian, deputy director of the bureau's police command site.

Since last year, drones have been applied to ensure public security at more than 60 large events, making more than 1,800 flights in total.

From 2022 to 2023, the low-altitude sharing UAV pilot project implemented by the valley's government and related high-tech enterprises has benefited six government units, including those in charge of water affairs, city management and transport, in nine application scenarios, such as fire origin and illegal structure identification, air testing and illegal parking.