Very interesting article, especially for a technology enthusiast with a formal background in urban development. I think there is tremendous opportunity in this market, as cities start sharing data and aim to build "smart cities".

As for your idea, I'm not sure I understand / or see the need. Hardware sounds less scalable, but couldn't you crowdsource that data in real-time, like Waze does? Data in cities can be used in so many ways, it's unbelievable.. example: in university we look at correlation with graffiti and vacancy.. other students did studies on linkages between health issues arising from school yard proximity to traffic... the point being is geo-locational data is has high value.

In relation to your idea, I definitely see opportunity for tracking and collecting data... especially if it can be sold to Urban Planning Departments for research (rather than just another advertising budget). Here is a Montreal based project: http://www.datamobileapp.ca... challenge is finding an engaging way to get people to use it (obviously ).

Any idea on a better way engaging people? There has to be a better way to vote on local issues than attending public meetings.. Right?