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Amsterdam - Amsterdam is using machine learning to measure and improve accessibility as part of a trial that will last until the summer. Using big data and artificial intelligence (AI), online users can explore the city and gather data that will help improve city planning.

Amsterdam has started an online trial to improve the accessibility of the city for people with disabilities. The so-called Project Sidewalk Amsterdam, which will last until the summer, is using big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to allow users to explore the city and report places that are not inclusive, according to an article from the European online newspaper The Mayor.   

Online users can take a virtual stroll around the Dutch city and mark accessibility issues, such as broken curb ramps, obstacles, surface problems or missing pavements. The service is integrated on a platform that was developed by researchers from the University of Maryland using Google Street interactive images. 

The aim is to map the entire city before the trial ends so that city authorities can gain a better understanding of what needs to be improved. The combined user data will be used to improve city planning, build mapping tools and train machine learning algorithms to find accessibility issues, according to the article. Anyone can register to participate in the project at Project Sidewalk Amsterdam.