Urban visual-spatial intelligence: linking human and sensor perception for sustainable urban development

• Published in: npj Urban Sustainability Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 65 - 5
• Main Authors: Weng, Qihao, Hou, Qianbao, Chen, Zhixing, Benediktsson, Jón Atli, Gamba, Paolo, Tuia, Devis, Zhang, Fan, Xu, Yonghao, Wu, Meiliu, Li, Na, Batty, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.12.2025; Springer Nature B.V; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 4014/4045; 639/166; 704/844; 706/2808; Artificial intelligence; cities; Collaboration; Comment; Data integration; Data processing; Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Intelligence; Perception; R&D; Real time; Research & development; Sensors; Spatiotemporal data; Sustainability; Sustainable Development; towns; Urban areas; Urban development; Urban Ecology; Urban Geography; Urban planning; Urbanism; Urbanism (inc. megacities
• ISSN: 2661-8001; 2661-8001
• DOI: 10.1038/s42949-025-00256-2

Understanding urban perception enhances urban intelligence research, aiding sustainable development and smart city. Urban Visual-Spatial Intelligence (UVSI) integrates human and sensor perception. This Perspective explores UVSI’s potential for sustainable development, identifies research gaps, and outlines future priorities. Advances in AI, high-performance computing, real-time data processing, and citizen science could significantly impact UVSI. Key research areas include spatiotemporal data integration, visual analytics, ethical frameworks, and inclusive methodologies for AI-driven urban management.