Big data: perspectives of using in urban planning and management

To date, there is no doubt about the need and possibilities of using large amounts of information. So called “Big Data" technology is used in a variety of areas, and urban planning is no exception. The article discusses how to use large amounts of information for a competent design of social and engineering urban networks in the interests of cities residents while preserving historical appearance of cities. The proposed hypothesis states that urban planning can transition to a new higher level with the introduction of "Big Data" technology based on the concept of "Smart City", which not only makes the life of residents comfortable, but also allows making timely adjustments to one or other urban process with the purpose of its improvement. Additionally, possible approaches of the concept implementation and their applicability under various conditions are discussed. The article analyzes the experience of Smart City concept implementation as a part of "Big Data" technologies in practice of a number of European cities. Important positive results of such implementation are noted. The role and place of each of the parties interested in sustainable development of the city, in the development of intellectual systems for managing this development is discussed. In particular, a lot of attention is paid to the role of the state as the initiator and coordinator of interaction between the parties, the main holder and user of data, services and infrastructure. It is concluded that the potential built into the "Big Data" technology will allow us to move to a new level of urban planning, based on real urban data collected by various technical means.