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Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 18162

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Interests: urban research in Asia; urban commercial research; urban space research; urban landscape research; urban analysis

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Interests: urban expansion; urban sprawl; urban governance

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Guest Editor
School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Interests: urban sensing technology and social space research; community governance research and infrastructure planning; urban walking systems and public space health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable urban planning is vital in addressing rapid urbanization, climate change, and resource depletion. As cities grow, challenges related to infrastructure, transportation, and environmental impact increase. Effective planning integrates architecture, environmental science, and public policy to create resilient, resource-efficient, and livable cities. Key research areas include green infrastructure, low-carbon urban design, smart city technologies, and circular economy strategies. By leveraging digital transformation and participatory governance, sustainable urban development enhances quality of life while reducing environmental impact. Advancing this field is crucial for building resilient urban ecosystems and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Special Issue on "Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Development" aligns with Sustainability by addressing urban resilience, low-carbon development, smart cities, and green infrastructure. It explores interdisciplinary approaches to sustainable urban growth, supporting the journal’s mission to advance environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:  

  • Sustainable urban planning; 
  • Smart cities; 
  • Green infrastructure; 
  • Digital transformation; 
  • Sustainable mobility; 
  • Low-carbon and energy-efficient urban development; 
  • Policy and governance for sustainable cities. 

We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Prof. Dr. Shichen Zhao
Dr. Prasanna Divigalipitiya
Dr. Xiaoyan Mi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable urban
  • smart cities
  • green infrastructure
  • low-carbon development
  • energy-efficient architecture
  • environmental policy
  • participatory urban governance

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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20 pages, 3762 KB  
Article
Integrating Exercise Prescription into Planning: A Framework for Assessing Community Walkability for Healthy Aging
by Xiangning Zhang, Wanting Fu, Houzhen Gong and Ying Zhu
Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2712; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062712 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 366
Abstract
Integrating health-oriented physical activity into community-scale walking environments is a key strategy for promoting healthy aging within sustainable urban development. However, community walking environments are often planned and managed without systematic evaluation frameworks to determine whether daily walking conditions effectively support health-oriented physical [...] Read more.
Integrating health-oriented physical activity into community-scale walking environments is a key strategy for promoting healthy aging within sustainable urban development. However, community walking environments are often planned and managed without systematic evaluation frameworks to determine whether daily walking conditions effectively support health-oriented physical activity. To address this gap, this study proposes a planning-oriented health effectiveness assessment framework that translates exercise prescription principles into spatial, functional, and managerial performance indicators. Based on the Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type, Volume, and Progression (FITT-VP) exercise prescription framework, a multi-method approach was adopted. Evaluation indicators were identified through a structured literature review and refined using the Delphi method. User perception differences were incorporated using the Kano model, and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was applied to quantitatively evaluate and rank the health effectiveness of community walking environments. The framework was empirically tested through a case study of Binshui communities in the Jimei District of Xiamen, China. The outcomes imply that priority indicators include progression route planning integrity, interval training feasibility, multifunctional training area match, monthly maintenance frequency, nighttime illumination uniformity. Community walking environments can function as effective everyday planning instruments for promoting physical activity among aging populations when exercise science principles are systematically embedded into urban design and management. By operationalizing exercise prescription principles as planning performance criteria, this study advances sustainable urban planning research and provides an evidence-based assessment tool for age-friendly neighborhood regeneration and community health governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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16 pages, 517 KB  
Article
Participatory Urban Transformations for Health Prevention: School Streets, Placemaking, and Institutional Integration in National Prevention Planning
by Chiara De Marchi, Massimiliano De Paolis, Luigi Cofone, Marise Sabato, Carolina Di Paolo, Laura Ciccariello and Lorenzo Paglione
Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2420; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052420 - 2 Mar 2026
Viewed by 244
Abstract
The Italian National Prevention Plan (NPP) 2020–2025 calls for a joint action on environmental and urban determinants of health. The recent reforms of primary health care (DM 77/2022) highlight the role of communities and Local Health Authorities in the promotion of health in [...] Read more.
The Italian National Prevention Plan (NPP) 2020–2025 calls for a joint action on environmental and urban determinants of health. The recent reforms of primary health care (DM 77/2022) highlight the role of communities and Local Health Authorities in the promotion of health in everyday settings. However, practical tools which link prevention planning to small-scale urban transformations still remain poorly described. This study explores how international approaches to children’s school-travel and urban participatory practice in street design can guide the next cycle of the NPP. An extensive review of the available international grey literature and technical guidelines identified ten operational documents (toolkits, guidelines and practice-oriented reports) addressing two categories of interventions: (1) school-travel and “school streets” schemes and (2) tactical urbanism and placemaking initiatives. Each document was then evaluated using an adapted Urban HEART framework, expanded with a sixth domain, “Applicability to the Italian National Health Service”. They all scored qualitatively (1–5) across the six domains. The analysis shows consistently high scores for Health, Physical Environment, Participation and Governance, particularly with regard to school street toolkits and child-friendly street design guides. Equity and formal links to health-system planning and evaluation remain less systematically developed. Overall, findings suggest that school-travel interventions and child-centred placemaking around the schools are closely aligned with the logic and tools outlined in the NPP. These could be considered as potential prevention actions in the future NPP cycles, provided that explicit health outcomes, minimum indicators and stable intersectoral governance arrangements are co-designed with the Local Health Authorities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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20 pages, 3069 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Drivers of Shipping Service Industry Agglomeration and Port–City Synergy: Evidence from Jiangsu Province, China
by Tong Zhang, Linan Du, Husong Xing, Jimeng Tang and Cunrui Ma
Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 11366; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411366 - 18 Dec 2025
Viewed by 584
Abstract
The shipping service industry plays a pivotal role in enhancing port competitiveness and fostering urban economic growth, yet limited studies systematically integrate its spatial temporal dynamics with the processes driving port–city synergy. This study constructs a three-dimensional analytical framework encompassing port operations, urban [...] Read more.
The shipping service industry plays a pivotal role in enhancing port competitiveness and fostering urban economic growth, yet limited studies systematically integrate its spatial temporal dynamics with the processes driving port–city synergy. This study constructs a three-dimensional analytical framework encompassing port operations, urban economic development, and shipping service industry agglomeration. Using data from 13 port cities in Jiangsu Province (2015–2023), we apply the entropy weight method, coupling coordination degree model, relative development model, and panel Tobit regression to evaluate interaction intensity, coordination patterns, and influencing factors. Results reveal a clear spatial gradient in coupling coordination, higher in southern Jiangsu and lower in the north, driven by disparities in economic foundations, port capacities, and service industry structures. In most cities, port operations and urban economies lag behind shipping service industry agglomeration, reflecting the predominance of low- and mid-end services. Port construction level, cargo and container throughput, economic development, openness, fixed asset investment, and population density significantly promote coordination, whereas R&D capacity shows no significant effect. The findings advance understanding of port–city service interlinkages and provide targeted policy recommendations for differentiated regional development, infrastructure enhancement, and upgrading toward high-end shipping services, with implications for maritime regions worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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24 pages, 1586 KB  
Article
A Study on Psychospatial Perception of a Sustainable Urban Node: Semantic–Spatial Mapping of User-Generated Place Cognition at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, Japan
by Chiayu Tsai and Shichen Zhao
Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 10959; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172410959 - 8 Dec 2025
Viewed by 622
Abstract
Reducing reliance on private vehicles, optimizing public spaces, and adopting low-carbon, energy-efficient practices are essential strategies for advancing sustainable urban development. This study investigates user perceptions and spatial experiences at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, Japan, by analyzing online reviews collected over 1 year. [...] Read more.
Reducing reliance on private vehicles, optimizing public spaces, and adopting low-carbon, energy-efficient practices are essential strategies for advancing sustainable urban development. This study investigates user perceptions and spatial experiences at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, Japan, by analyzing online reviews collected over 1 year. The results indicate that: (1) Using TF–IDF vectorization and K-means clustering (K = 5), five major semantic themes were identified, and a chi-square test (χ2(16) = 632.00, p < 0.001) confirmed their strong correspondence with the station’s five functional zones. This revealed a cognitive mapping effect between users’ semantic structures and spatial functions. (2) Six environmental psychology indicators—Wayfinding Usability, Crowding Density, Seating and Rest Availability, Functional Convenience, Environmental Quality, and Information Legibility—were established. Logistic regression showed that only Functional Convenience significantly predicted positive sentiment (OR = 31.6, p = 0.05), underscoring the emotional influence of smooth circulation and well-integrated commercial facilities. (3) Process-intensive areas exhibited emotional accumulation and cognitive strain, while restorative zones reduced mental fatigue; moderate spatial concealment enhanced exploration, and a shared social atmosphere fostered belongingness. The findings elucidate the psychological correspondence between semantic structures and spatial functions, providing user-centered indicators for urban node design that promote comfort, accessibility, and urban sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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32 pages, 4380 KB  
Article
Humanizing Sustainable Corridors Framework (HSCF): A User-Centered Approach in Corridor Planning—The Case of Al-Hada Ring Road
by Abdullah Saeed Karban and Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Majrashi
Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9117; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209117 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1438
Abstract
This study introduces the Humanizing Sustainable Corridors Framework (HSCF), developed to guide the transformation of Car-Oriented corridors into Human-centered, sustainable spaces. Rooted in a human-centered approach, the framework emphasizes enhancing social interaction, addressing environmental needs, and supporting local economies through urban design. The [...] Read more.
This study introduces the Humanizing Sustainable Corridors Framework (HSCF), developed to guide the transformation of Car-Oriented corridors into Human-centered, sustainable spaces. Rooted in a human-centered approach, the framework emphasizes enhancing social interaction, addressing environmental needs, and supporting local economies through urban design. The framework was applied to the Al-Hada Ring Road in Taif, Saudi Arabia, as a case study. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating expert field observations, interviews with 15 stakeholders, and a web-based survey that yielded 455 valid responses. The findings revealed that 78% of respondents prioritized natural landscapes, 72% highlighted the importance of walkability, and 69% emphasized the need for shaded areas and culturally rooted design elements that enhance comfort and safety. These results demonstrate that planning strategies reflecting local climate conditions, user behavior, and cultural identity can increase corridor sustainability and resilience by over 65% in terms of perceived user satisfaction and safety. The HSCF offers a structured, adaptable model for planners and decision-makers seeking to align spatial design with community needs and national development goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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23 pages, 3991 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Analysis, Driving Force, and Simulation of Urban Expansion Along the Ethio–Djibouti Trade Corridor: The Cases of Dire Dawa City, Eastern Ethiopia
by Abduselam Mohamed Ebrahim, Abenezer Wakuma Kitila, Tegegn Sishaw Emiru and Solomon Asfaw Beza
Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7760; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177760 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1577
Abstract
Urbanization has emerged as one of the most significant global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, driven by a complex interplay of dynamic processes. In Ethiopia, cities have undergone rapid expansion in recent decades, largely due to state-led economic reforms and infrastructure [...] Read more.
Urbanization has emerged as one of the most significant global challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, driven by a complex interplay of dynamic processes. In Ethiopia, cities have undergone rapid expansion in recent decades, largely due to state-led economic reforms and infrastructure development. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics, driving forces, and future projections of urban expansion along the Ethio–Djibouti trade corridor, with a focus on Dire Dawa City in eastern Ethiopia. Landsat imagery from 1993, 2003, 2013, and 2023 was utilized to detect land use and land cover (LULC) changes and analyze urban growth patterns. Additionally, maps illustrating the city’s demographic, economic, and topographic characteristics were developed to identify the key driving factors behind land conversion and urban expansion. The spatial matrix and landscape expansion index were employed to examine the spatial patterns of urban growth. Furthermore, the study applied the Multi-Layer Perceptron–Markov Chain (MLP–MC) model to simulate future LULC changes and urban expansion. The results indicate that the built-up area in Dire Dawa has increased significantly over the past three decades, growing from 6.21 km2 in 1993 to 21.54 km2 in 2023. This urban growth is predominantly characterized by edge expansion, reflecting a pattern of unidirectional, unsustainable development that has consumed large areas of agricultural land. The analysis shows that socioeconomic development and population growth have had a greater influence on LULC conversion and urban expansion than physical factors. Based on these identified drivers, the study projected land conversion and simulated urban expansion for the years 2043 and 2064. The findings underscore the urgent need for context-sensitive urban growth strategies that harmonize local realities with national development policies and the Sustainable Development Goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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24 pages, 9685 KB  
Article
Urban Planning Policies and Architectural Design for Sustainable Food Security: A Case Study of Smart Cities in Indonesia
by Rafi Haikal, Thoriqi Firdaus, Herdis Herdiansyah and Rizqi Shafira Chairunnisa
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167546 - 21 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3886
Abstract
The urgent need for sustainable food systems in Indonesia is hindered by urban planning policies that are disconnected from food security priorities. Smart city planning policies in Indonesia have been subject to numerous misconceptions compared to successful implementations in developed countries. This study [...] Read more.
The urgent need for sustainable food systems in Indonesia is hindered by urban planning policies that are disconnected from food security priorities. Smart city planning policies in Indonesia have been subject to numerous misconceptions compared to successful implementations in developed countries. This study examines the relationship between urban planning policies and architectural design in fostering sustainable food systems, employing a mixed-methods approach that combines multiple linear regression analysis with a sample of 75 smart cities, correlation analysis, and case studies from six representative cities that demonstrate best practices. Key findings reveal that food security is significantly undermined by the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), indicating distributional inequalities, high food expenditure, and a lack of clean water, while access to electricity improves resilience. Case study analysis showed that Semarang is the city with the highest readiness level (97%), followed by Makassar (91%), which employs a Holistic Benchmark approach, Jakarta (91%), which follows a Technological—fragmented approach, Samarinda (86%) and Medan (79%), which are in a Developing Transition phase, and Surabaya (66%), which utilizes a Community and Local Initiatives approach. Each city adopted a different approach, which means the national strategy for developing Smart Cities will also differ; however, they must prioritize equitable infrastructure and architectural innovation, such as urban farming integration and a water–energy–food nexus system. Smart cities extend beyond technological innovations, encompassing integrated urban planning policies and architectural practices that foster sustainable food systems through infrastructure management and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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21 pages, 9316 KB  
Article
The Spatial Differentiation Characteristics of the Residential Environment Quality in Northern Chinese Cities: Based on a New Evaluation Framework
by Feng Ge, Jiayu Liu, Laigen Jia, Gaixiang Chen, Changshun Wang, Yuetian Wang, Hongguang Chen and Fanhao Meng
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7473; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167473 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Addressing the need to optimize human settlement quality in arid and semi-arid regions under rapid urbanization, this study innovatively constructs an evaluation framework integrating greenness, thermal conditions, impervious surfaces, water bodies, and air transparency. Focusing on 12 prefecture-level cities in Inner Mongolia, Northern [...] Read more.
Addressing the need to optimize human settlement quality in arid and semi-arid regions under rapid urbanization, this study innovatively constructs an evaluation framework integrating greenness, thermal conditions, impervious surfaces, water bodies, and air transparency. Focusing on 12 prefecture-level cities in Inner Mongolia, Northern China, it systematically reveals the spatial differentiation characteristics and driving mechanisms of human settlement quality. Findings indicate the following: (1) Regional human settlement quality exhibits a spindle-shaped structure dominated by the medium grade (Excellent: 18.13%, High: 23.34%, Medium: 46.48%, Low: 12.04%), with Ulanqab City having the highest proportion of Excellent areas (25.26%) and Ordos City the lowest proportion of Low-grade areas (6.20%), reflecting a critical transition period for regional quality enhancement. (2) Spatial patterns show pronounced east-west gradients and functional differentiation: western arid zones display significant blue-green space advantages but face high-temperature stress and rigid water constraints, eastern humid zones benefit from superior ecological foundations with weaker heat island effects, the core Hetao Plain experiences strong heat island effects due to high impervious surface density, while industrial cities confront prominent air pollution pressures. Consequently, implementing differentiated strategies—strengthening ecological protection/restoration in High/Low-grade zones and optimizing regulation to drive upgrades in Medium-grade zones—is essential for achieving three sustainable pathways: compact development, blue-green space optimization, and industrial upgrading, providing vital decision-making support for enhancing human settlement quality and promoting sustainable development in ecologically fragile cities across northern China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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25 pages, 2807 KB  
Article
Drivers of Population Dynamics in High-Altitude Counties of Sichuan Province, China
by Xiangyu Dong, Mengge Du and Shichen Zhao
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7051; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157051 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2066
Abstract
The population dynamics of high-altitude mountainous areas are shaped by a complex interplay of socioeconomic and environmental drivers. Despite their significance, such regions have received limited scholarly attention. This research identifies and examines the principal determinants of population changes in the high-altitude mountainous [...] Read more.
The population dynamics of high-altitude mountainous areas are shaped by a complex interplay of socioeconomic and environmental drivers. Despite their significance, such regions have received limited scholarly attention. This research identifies and examines the principal determinants of population changes in the high-altitude mountainous zones of Sichuan Province, China. Utilizing a robust quantitative framework, we introduce the Sustainable Population Migration Index (SPMI) to systematically analyze the migration potential over two decades. The findings indicate healthcare accessibility as the most significant determinant influencing resident and rural population changes, while economic factors notably impact urban populations. The SPMI reveals a pronounced deterioration in migration attractiveness, decreasing by 0.27 units on average from 2010 to 2020. Furthermore, a fixed-effects panel regression confirmed the predictive capability of SPMI regarding population trends, emphasizing its value for demographic forecasting. We also develop a Digital Twin-based Simulation and Decision-support Platform (DTSDP) to visualize policy impacts effectively. Scenario simulations suggest that targeted enhancements in healthcare and infrastructure could significantly alleviate demographic pressures. This research contributes critical insights for sustainable regional development strategies and provides an effective tool for informed policymaking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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27 pages, 956 KB  
Article
Boosting Sustainable Urban Development: How Smart Cities Improve Emergency Management—Evidence from 275 Chinese Cities
by Ming Guo and Yang Zhou
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6851; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156851 - 28 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2323
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and escalating disaster risks necessitate resilient urban governance systems. Smart city initiatives that leverage digital technologies—such as the internet of things (IoT), big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI)—demonstrate transformative potential in enhancing emergency management capabilities. However, empirical evidence regarding their [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization and escalating disaster risks necessitate resilient urban governance systems. Smart city initiatives that leverage digital technologies—such as the internet of things (IoT), big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI)—demonstrate transformative potential in enhancing emergency management capabilities. However, empirical evidence regarding their causal impact and underlying mechanisms remains limited, particularly in developing economies. Drawing on panel data from 275 Chinese prefecture-level cities over the period 2006–2021 and using China’s smart city pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment, this study applies a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) approach to rigorously assess the effects of smart city construction on emergency management capabilities. Results reveal that smart city construction produced a statistically significant improvement in emergency management capabilities, which remained robust after conducting multiple sensitivity checks and controlling for potential confounding policies. The benefits exhibit notable heterogeneity: emergency management capability improvements are most pronounced in central China and in cities at the extremes of population size—megacities (>10 million residents) and small cities (<1 million residents)—while effects remain marginal in medium-sized and eastern cities. Crucially, mechanism analysis reveals that digital technology application fully mediates 86.7% of the total effect, whereas factor allocation efficiency exerts only a direct, non-mediating influence. These findings suggest that smart cities primarily enhance emergency management capabilities through digital enablers, with effectiveness contingent upon regional infrastructure development and urban scale. Policy priorities should therefore emphasize investments in digital infrastructure, interagency data integration, and targeted capacity-building strategies tailored to central and western regions as well as smaller cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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20 pages, 9605 KB  
Article
Future Modeling of Urban Growth Using Geographical Information Systems and SLEUTH Method: The Case of Sanliurfa
by Songül Naryaprağı Gülalan, Fred Barış Ernst and Abdullah İzzeddin Karabulut
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6833; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156833 - 28 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2055
Abstract
This study was conducted using Geographic Information Systems (GISs), Remote Sensing (RS) techniques, and the SLEUTH model based on Cellular Automata (CA) to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of urban growth in Sanliurfa Province and to create future projections. The model in [...] Read more.
This study was conducted using Geographic Information Systems (GISs), Remote Sensing (RS) techniques, and the SLEUTH model based on Cellular Automata (CA) to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of urban growth in Sanliurfa Province and to create future projections. The model in question simulates urban sprawl by using Slope, Land Use/Land Cover (LULC), Excluded Areas, urban areas, transportation, and hill shade layers as inputs. In addition, disaster risk areas and public policies that will affect the urbanization of the city were used as input layers. In the study, the spatial pattern of urbanization in Sanliurfa was determined by using Landsat satellite images of six different periods covering the years 1985–2025. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was applied within the scope of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Weighting was made for each parameter. Spatial analysis was performed by combining these values with data in raster format. The results show that the SLEUTH model successfully reflects past growth trends when calibrated at different spatial resolutions and can provide reliable predictions for the future. Thus, the proposed model can be used as an effective decision support tool in the evaluation of alternative urbanization scenarios in urban planning. The findings contribute to the sustainability of land management policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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29 pages, 3790 KB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review for Urban Flood Disaster in Managerial Perspective: Forecasting, Assessment and Optimization
by Xuan Tang, Juan Du, Hao Zhou, Zeqian Hu, Bing Liu and Min Hu
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18021106 - 21 Jan 2026
Viewed by 553
Abstract
Urban flood disaster management is an interdisciplinary field that integrates hydrology, geology, engineering, and urban planning, with prediction, assessment, and optimization serving as its core components. However, a comprehensive and systematic synthesis of recent developments in this domain remains limited, constraining both theoretical [...] Read more.
Urban flood disaster management is an interdisciplinary field that integrates hydrology, geology, engineering, and urban planning, with prediction, assessment, and optimization serving as its core components. However, a comprehensive and systematic synthesis of recent developments in this domain remains limited, constraining both theoretical understanding and practical advancement. To address this gap, this study conducts an in-depth analysis of urban flood management research as a systematic review, with a particular focus on advances in prediction, assessment, and optimization. Utilizing a multistep holistic review, combining bibliometric and scientometric analysis with structured literature categorization, the research critically examines and synthesizes relevant findings. This study analyzed 166 research papers related to urban flood management within the Web of Science database. Through co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analyses, five dominant research dimensions are identified: physics-based simulation methods, data-driven approaches, risk assessment tasks, optimization strategies, and miscellaneous emerging topics. Based on these insights, we propose a task-oriented framework that systematically integrates prediction, assessment and optimization across the four phases of disaster management: mitigation, prevention, emergency response and recovery. This framework aids scholars and practitioners in understanding and implementing effective techniques and strategies. The study’s findings shed light on key trends and potential future directions, providing a roadmap for further exploration of urban flood management and guiding professionals in related fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning and Urban Development)
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