IGRA USTVARJALNOSTI – teorija in praksa urejanja prostora Št. 13 / 2025 PROJECT PROJEKT ARTICLE ČLANEK COMPETITION UVODNIK NA TEČAJ WORKSHOP DELA VNICA PREDSTAVITEV RAZPRAVA RECENZIJA PRESENTATION DISCUSSION REVIEW EDITORIAL DIPLOMA MASTER THESIS 76 Tomaž Berčič, Marko Stavrev: ENCLOD – KREPITEV ZMOGLJIVOSTI OBČINSKEGA UPRAVLJANJA Z UPORABO ODPRTIH PODATKOV: 76–79 POVZETEK Prispevek predstavlja pilotni primer projekta EnCLOD, ki stremi k krepitvi upravljavskih zmogljivosti lokalnih oblasti v Srednji Evropi z uporabo odprtih podatkov in IoT-senzorskih omrežij ter s prenosom znanja med petimi pilotnimi območji. V Novi Gorici je bila vzpostavljena mreža senzorjev za promet in kakovost zraka (24 prometnih in 8 okoljskih senzorjev), zasnovana po načelih celotne pokritosti in javne dostopnosti podatkov. Odprti podatki omogočajo dinamično spremljanje prometnih obreme- nitev in okoljskih razmer, podporo odločanju ter vključevanje javnosti prek delavnic in razvojnih izzivov, posebej v kontekstu povečane mobilnosti ob EPK 2025. KLJUČNE BESEDE odprti podatki, IoT, senzorska mreža, mikrocone, urbanizem, upravljanje ENCLOD  ENHANCING GOVERNANCE CAPACITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES USING OPEN DATA ABSTRACT This paper presents the Nova Gorica pilot within the EnCLOD project, an initiative designed to bolster local governance capaci- ties across Central Europe by leveraging Open Data and IoT sensor networks. Through knowledge transfer among fi ve pilot areas, the project fosters a more data-driven approach to urban management (EnCLOD Project, 2025). In Nova Gorica, a moni- toring network was deployed to capture traffi c and air-quality dynamics, comprising 24 traffi c and 8 environmental sensors. By prioritizing public data accessibility, these open streams enable near real-time situational awareness and evidence-based deci- sion support. Furthermore, the initiative encourages broader stakeholder engagement through workshops and innovation challenges—an aspect particularly relevant for managing the mobility impacts of the upcoming European Capital of Culture 2025 (Interreg Central Europe, 2024). KEY-WORDS Open Data, IoT, sensor network, microzones, urbanism, governance T omaž Berčič, Marko Stavrev: ENCLOD  KREPITEV ZMOGLJIVOSTI OBČINSKEGA UPRAVLJANJA Z UPORABO ODPRTIH PODATKOV DOI: https://doi.org/10.15292/IU-CG.2025.13.076-069 UDK: 004.91:711.4 SUBMITTED: October 2025 / REVISED: November 2025 / PUBLISHED: December 2025 1.03 Kratki znanstveni članek / Short Scientifi c Article 77 THE CREATIVITY GAME – Theory and Practice of Spatial Planning No 13 / 2025 Tomaž Berčič, Marko Stavrev: ENCLOD - ENHANCING GOVERNANCE CAPACITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES USING OPEN DATA: 76–79 1. UVOD The EnCLOD project (Enhancing Governance Capacities of Local Authorities Using Open Data), an international endeavour under the Interreg Central Europe programme, is currently in its fi nal year of operation, having run from May 2024 with a scheduled conclusion in October 2026. Its primary objective is to empower local authorities with better management capabilities through the strategic use of open data and IoT sensor networks (Interreg Central Europe, 2024). Ten partners from fi ve countries: Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary; collabo- rate on this initiative, bringing together municipalities, univer- sities, and technology companies. Their joint eff orts focus on developing solutions that allow communities to tackle traffi c, environmental issues, and other urban challenges more eff ecti- vely, relying on ground-truth data collected via sensors and IoT solutions. Crucially, the European digital transition and the push towards open data serve as the project's foundation. In the broader lan- dscape, civil society often appears to lead digitalization eff orts, whereas the public sector frequently lags behind6. While private individuals and residents have begun embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) and open data, they remain under-utilized in solving public problems (Janssen et al., 2012). EnCLOD addres- ses this gap with an innovative approach: it actively encourages collaboration between civil society and the private sector, pro- moting the reuse of open data to spark new ideas and services for the public good. A strong emphasis is placed on multi-level governance and public-private partnerships, while training sessions and workshops aim to heighten decision-makers' awa- reness of the potential inherent in open data. Hackathons and public events are also integral, engaging residents and develo- pers in co-creating solutions, as all collected data is released as open data for reuse (Pereira et al., 2018). The Nova Gorica pilot is one of fi ve pilot areas (alongside Vicenza, Olomouc, Debrecen, and Žilina) developing solutions for mobi- lity, environment, and climate action. This initiative builds upon our prior engagement in the WeCount project, during which we extensively tested the fi rst version of Telraam traffi c sensors (Momirski & Berčič, 2022). Despite these earlier tests, Nova Gorica was selected due to pressing local needs: prior to EnCLOD, the city relied on a single offi cial air quality station and lacked a mo- dern traffi c counting system, making it impossible to correlate traffi c patterns with pollution levels. Historical data has often been concerning; previous research ranked Nova Gorica among the two most polluted cities in Slovenia, with air quality rated as »bad« or worse for half the time (Slovenian Environment Agency, 2024). In summer, the city struggles with elevated ozone (O 3 ) levels due to high solar radiation and transboundary pollution from the Po Valley, while winter temperature inversions frequen- tly trap fi ne particulate matter (PM 10 , PM 2.5 ) from heating and traffi c. Despite the absence of heavy industry, the combination of traffi c emissions, residential heating, and geographical factors necessi- tates precise micro-location monitoring. An additional catalyst for the pilot was the European Capital of Culture (ECoC 2025), which has drawn signifi cant visitor num- bers and increased traffi c loads. Consequently, the Urban Muni- cipality of Nova Gorica (MONG) established a sensor network to monitor these dynamics closely. 2. METHOD AND TOOLS Our methodology relies on a network of IoT microzones for traffi c and air quality monitoring, connected via open data platforms. This setup enables real-time collection, analysis, and public dissemination of data to support decision-making. Figure 1: Spatial defi nition of microzones in Nova Gorica (Solkan, Kromberk, Rožna Dolina, Center, Pristava), serving as the basis for comparative analysis of traffi c and environmental data. IGRA USTVARJALNOSTI – teorija in praksa urejanja prostora Št. 13 / 2025 PROJECT PROJEKT ARTICLE ČLANEK COMPETITION UVODNIK NA TEČAJ WORKSHOP DELA VNICA PREDSTAVITEV RAZPRAVA RECENZIJA PRESENTATION DISCUSSION REVIEW EDITORIAL DIPLOMA MASTER THESIS 78 2.1 Sensor Network and Locations The network design in Nova Gorica was informed by a prelimi- nary analysis of pollution sources, traffi c patterns, and key urban nodes. The microzone network (Figure 1) covers critical hot- spots—such as intersections, event venues, and main arteries— as well as reference background locations with lighter traffi c. A total of 24 traffi c measurement points and 8 air quality monito- ring stations were deployed, distributed from busy thoroughfa- res to quiet residential streets to ensure a comprehensive urban picture. Locations were strategically chosen, often near known emission sources or ECoC venues, to detect specifi c impacts. Frequently, both sensor types are co-located to allow direct cor- relation between traffi c fl ow and air quality. Most traffi c sensors were installed indoors, mounted on windows of public buildin- gs (fl oors 1–4) to ensure an unobstructed view of the road while remaining protected from the elements. Installation was rapid, occurring between May and September 2025. 2.2 Technology Used The network utilizes low-cost IoT sensors which, while not clai- ming laboratory precision, allow for high-density coverage and software-based calibration (Rai et al., 2017). ■ Traffi c Counting: We selected Telraam S2 sensors (Figure 2), which employ a built-in wide-angle camera and AI algo- rithms to count road users. The device automatically detects and classifi es up to 10 categories (cars, trucks, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) and reports data in 15-minute intervals, including speed estimates (Telraam, 2023). Crucially, the de- vice processes video locally on the chip and transmits only anonymized numerical data, ensuring privacy compliance (Storme et al., 2022). ■ Connectivity: A hybrid approach was adopted. Telraam S2 sensors use built-in mobile IoT modems (LTE-M/NB-IoT), eli- minating the need for local Wi-Fi. Conversely, environmental sensors communicate via LoRaWAN, a technology optimi- zed for long-range, battery-powered devices. 3. RESUL TS OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES Nova Gorica has successfully established its fi rst comprehensive city-wide monitoring network. The 24 Telraam sensors and 8 environmental stations have been collecting data continuously since mid-2025. In line with open data principles, traffi c data is available via the Telraam platform and an open API, while environmental data is forwarded automatically to the municipal open data infrastructure. Initial data reveals distinct trends. Traffi c follows a clear daily rhythm with morning and afternoon peaks, dropping sharply at night. However, spatial variance is signifi cant: residential areas quieten down almost completely at night, whereas locations near border crossings show activity late into the evening, often due to transit freight. Modal analysis off ers further insights; in the city centre (e.g., Bevkov trg), pedestrian numbers often rival or exceed car traffi c, refl ecting the eff ectiveness of the pede- strian zone. In contrast, the Solkan industrial area is dominated by motor vehicles. Such granular data helps planners pinpoint where infrastructure improvements—such as new cycling lanes—would yield the highest benefi t. Environmental sensors have also uncovered similarly important patterns. A highlight of the project's Slovenian activities was the partner meeting and inspirational workshop held on October 15, 2025. This was followed on October 16 by the 'SMART City Hack, ' a participatory hackaton that engaged a diverse, international group of entrepreneurs and experts to develop prototypes using the new open datasets. The resulting concepts illustrate how open data can drive the creation of smart, inclusive servi- ces, off ering Nova Gorica new tools for managing quality of life (Gascó-Hernández et al., 2018) 4. CONCLUSION The establishment of Nova Gorica’s sensor network marks a signifi cant step towards a smarter city. The openly accessible data will directly inform future mobility planning, proving that smaller cities can implement eff ective smart solutions using Figure 2: Live data monitoring interfaces. Left: Telraam traffi c sensors displaying measurements from the last hour (source: telraam.net). Right: Datacake platform showing particulate matter concentrations at selected locations in Nova Gorica. Tomaž Berčič, Marko Stavrev: ENCLOD – KREPITEV ZMOGLJIVOSTI OBČINSKEGA UPRAVLJANJA Z UPORABO ODPRTIH PODATKOV: 76–79 79 THE CREATIVITY GAME – Theory and Practice of Spatial Planning No 13 / 2025 aff ordable technology. A key achievement of EnCLOD is the transferability of this model—combining open data, sensor ne- tworks, and public engagement—to other regions. By integra- ting digital tools with environmental goals, the project supports both the green and digital transitions. Nova Gorica has not only gained valuable data and equipment but also set a precedent for how open data can be harnessed for the common good Literature: Slovenian Environment Agency. (2024). Poročilo o kakovosti zraka v Sloveniji v letu 2023 [Air quality report in Slovenia in 2023]. https://www.arso.gov.si/zrak/kakovost%20zraka/ poro%c4%8dila%20in%20publikacije/porocilo_2023-FINAL.pdf Gascó-Hernández, M., Martin, E. G., Reggi, L., Pyo, S., & Luna-Reyes, L. F . (2018). Promoting the use of open government data: Cases of training and engagement. Government Information Quarterly, 35(2), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2018.01.003 Interreg Central Europe. (2024). EnCLOD: Unlocking the Potential of Open Data and IoT for Governance and Innovation in Central Europe. Retrieved from https://www. interreg-central.eu/news/enclod-unlocking-the-potential-of-open-data-and-iot-for- governance-and-innovation-in-central-europe/ Janssen, M., Charalabidis, Y ., & Zuiderwijk, A. (2012). Benefi ts, adoption barriers and myths of open data and open government. Information Systems Management, 29(4), 258–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/10580530.2012.716740 Momirski, L. A., & Berčič, T . (2022). Southern inner ring road in Ljubljana: 2021 data set from traffi c sensors installed as part of the citizen science project WeCount. Data in brief, 41, 107878. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2022.107878 Pereira, G. V ., Parycek, P ., Falco, E., & Kleinhans, R. (2018). Smart governance in the context of smart cities: A literature review. Information Polity, 23(2), 143–162. https://doi. org/10.3233/IP-170067 Rai, A. C., Kumar , P ., Pilla, F ., Skouloudis, A. N., Di Sabatino, S., Ratti, C., ... & Rickerby, D. (2017). End-user perspective of low-cost sensors for outdoor air pollution monitoring. Science of The T otal Environment, 607–608, 691–705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. scitotenv.2017.06.266 Storme, T ., Benoit, S., Van de Weghe, N., Mertens, L., Van Dyck, D., Brondeel, R., & Witlox, F . (2022). Citizen science and the potential for mobility policy – Introducing the Bike Barometer. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 10(2), 1290–1299. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.cstp.2022.05.013 T elraam. (2023). Accuracy and precision of the S2 traffi c counter. Retrieved from https://telraam. net/en/accuracy-and-precision-of-the-s2-traffi c-counter Figure 3: A snapshot from the international ‘SMART City Hack’ hackathon held on October 16, 2025, in Nova Gorica. A diverse group of experts and entrepreneurs gathered to co-create new services using the collected open data. ŠT. PROJEKTA PROJECT NO. CE0200649 DELOVNA SKUPINA WORKING GROUP UNIVERZA V LJUBLJANI (UL) doc. dr. Tomaž Berčič, project coordinator Marko Stavrev, project team member asst. dr. Andrej Mahovič, project team member VODILNI PARTNER PROJECT LEADER Province of Vicenza (IT) - Manuela Massi PROJEKTNI P ARTNERJI PROJECT PARTNERS Province of Vicenza University of Venice Debrecen Exclusive Public Transport Company Ltd. CITIQ CITYONE Palacký University Olomouc Mestna občina Nova Gorica Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za arhitekturo University of Žilina ALDA+ SRL Benefi t Corporation SB PROJEKT FINANCIRAN S STRANI PROJECT CO-FUNDED BY Interreg Centralna Evropa Interreg Central Europe Tomaž Berčič, Marko Stavrev: ENCLOD - ENHANCING GOVERNANCE CAPACITIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES USING OPEN DATA: 76–79