This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the convergence between smart city infrastructure and the emerging metaverse. This book highlights the importance of integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality/augmented reality, and blockchain to enhance urban living experiences while addressing such innovations' security and ethical challenges. Its applications span urban planning, transportation, education, historic preservation, and inclusive city development, making it an essential resource for modern urban development.

The book covers many key areas critical to understanding and implementing smart cities and the metaverse. It starts with both domains' foundational concepts and technological underpinnings, followed by a deep dive into the security infrastructure and challenges smart cities face. Cybersecurity is given special attention, exploring motives and methods of cyberattacks and proposing mitigation techniques and best practices. The book also examines AI chatbots, intelligent transportation, and the integration of digital twins, providing practical case studies and insights. Furthermore, it addresses the socioeconomic implications, governance, and ethical considerations, ensuring a holistic approach to the subject.

The motivation for writing this book stems from the contributors' recognition of the transformative potential of smart cities and the metaverse in creating sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban environments. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application, the contributors aim to equip researchers, policymakers, and technologists with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate and shape the future of urban living in a digitally interconnected world.