How do new technologies influence the collective urban experience?

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Today, technology is increasingly ubiquitous in major cities, driven by the rapid pace of capital-driven movement. A popular term to describe the relationship between urbanism and technology is “Smart Cities,” which centers on leveraging data to enhance building connectivity. However, widespread access to these new technologies has revealed how our unique experiences as citizens—driven by a strong desire to document urban environments—allow us to map and experience cities from alternative perspectives.

Tools like Google Earth, Google Maps, and social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have significantly contributed to our understanding of local social dynamics, even in cities or neighborhoods we have never visited. This collective knowledge translates into demographic maps that help us understand, for example, which cities have the highest bicycle usage or the specific routes of each location. Similarly, in Mexico, where nomadic commerce is a fundamental part of the culture, this collective knowledge allows us to locate Mexico City's tianguis (open-air markets) as well as their specific operating hours.

Elsewhere, as in Brazil, we have witnessed how this shared knowledge has uncovered cultural records such as kite flying during the pandemic as well as maps for understanding and exploring archaeological sites across cities. These tools not only broaden our understanding of what shapes us, but they also enable visual critiques that raise awareness of rapid urban growth. This is achieved by comparing current resources with historical records, as seen in the analysis of José María Velasco's paintings.