The Department of Applied Mathematics at National University of Tainan (NUTN) recently organized an educational visit to the Tainan Smart Parking Data Service Center, offering students a firsthand look at how mathematics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are transforming urban governance and public services.
As big data and AI technologies continue to reshape modern cities, data-driven decision-making has become a key element of smart city development. To enhance students' understanding of real-world applications in data science, faculty members and students from the Department of Applied Mathematics visited the center on May 21, 2026, where they explored the operation of Tainan City's intelligent transportation management system.
The visit focused on Data Analytics and Intelligent Network Applications. During the tour, students learned how the center employs Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and cloud-based data platforms to collect and integrate real-time parking information across the city. They also discovered how mathematical theories and computational techniques—including probability and statistics, numerical analysis, algorithms, and deep learning—are applied to parking demand forecasting, hotspot identification, dynamic pricing mechanisms, and parking guidance optimization.
Beyond observing the system in operation, students gained valuable insights into practical processes such as data collection, model development, and system maintenance from the perspectives of both data engineers and municipal administrators. Through discussions with the center's professionals, they witnessed how mathematical models can be translated into innovative solutions that improve public services and enhance urban sustainability.
The visit also opened opportunities for future industry-academia collaboration and internship programs. NUTN hopes to provide students with more experiential learning opportunities and strengthen their competencies in big data analytics and smart technology applications before graduation.
The Department of Applied Mathematics has long emphasized interdisciplinary STEAM education and problem-solving skills, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experiences through industry engagement and professional exchanges.
Professor Yin-Liang Huang, Chair of the Department of Applied Mathematics, noted that mathematics serves not only as a fundamental discipline for scientific research but also as an indispensable tool in the advancement of artificial intelligence and data science.
“This visit enabled our students to step beyond the classroom and witness how rigorous mathematical analysis and computational methods can be transformed into intelligent transportation services that directly benefit society,” said Professor Huang.
During the visit, students actively engaged in discussions on topics such as data accuracy, algorithm optimization, and operational management, demonstrating strong professional competence and enthusiasm for learning. The experience further deepened their understanding of the close connections among mathematical theory, data analytics, and smart city development.
Through initiatives such as this, NUTN continues to cultivate future professionals capable of applying mathematical thinking and data-driven innovation to address real-world challenges and contribute to the development of sustainable and intelligent cities.