Advances in Urban Spatial Analysis, Modeling and Simulation

Dear Colleagues,

Spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation stand at the forefront of modern scientific inquiry, serving as indispensable tools for unraveling the complexities of spatial phenomena across diverse fields such as geography, ecology, urban planning, and epidemiology. With the advent of advanced computational methodologies, the fusion of spatial data with cutting-edge techniques has revolutionized our capacity to comprehend, model, and simulate intricate spatial relationships and patterns with unprecedented depth and precision. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the interdisciplinary nature of spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation has become increasingly apparent, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries to address pressing real-world challenges. From urban dynamics and environmental sustainability to public health and disaster management, the integration of spatially explicit approaches has become integral to decision-making processes, offering invaluable insights and informing evidence-based strategies for informed action. As we navigate the complex terrain of spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation, it becomes evident that we are faced with a myriad of computational challenges and methodological advancements. The pursuit of innovative methodologies, propelled by advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cyberinfrastructure, has opened new frontiers in our ability to analyze and model spatial phenomena with unparalleled sophistication and accuracy. Against this backdrop, this Special Issue aims to serve as a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation. From pioneering research contributions to novel applications and interdisciplinary collaborations, we seek to shed light on the forefront of spatial inquiry, highlighting the transformative potential of innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, this Special Issue aims to illuminate the path forward in spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation across disciplines. By bringing together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders from diverse fields, we aim to chart a course towards a deeper understanding of spatial phenomena and a more sustainable, resilient future for our increasingly interconnected world. Together, let us embark on a journey of discovery and exploration, harnessing the power of spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Call for papers:

Spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation play a pivotal role in understanding complex spatial phenomena across various disciplines, including geography, ecology, urban planning, epidemiology, and more. The integration of advanced computational techniques with spatial data has enabled researchers to explore, model, and simulate intricate spatial relationships and patterns with unprecedented depth and accuracy. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation, highlighting innovative theories, methodologies, novel applications, and interdisciplinary approaches. Topics of interest span, but are not limited to, the following:

Topics of interest:

• Urban geography and regional development;
• Climate adaptation and disaster risk management;
• Land-use and land-cover change in urban and rural areas;
• Disease propagation and public health planning;
• Transportation problems and mobility solutions;
• Risk and disaster planning, management, and response;
• Socio-economic analysis and spatial justice, including spatial inequalities;
• Energy and resource management in spatial contexts;
• Cultural heritage preservation and tourism planning;
• Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management;
• Agriculture planning and precision farming;
• Public safety, emergency services, and crisis management;
• Education environments and spatial dimensions of learning;
• Social networks, interactions, and spatial dynamics of migration;
• Spatial dimensions of conflict, peacebuilding, and spatial inequalities.

Methods/tools:

• Geovisualization and geovisual analytics;
• Spatial statistics, machine learning, and data mining;
• Agent-based modeling and cellular automata;
• Spatio-temporal analysis and modeling;
• Spatial optimization and decision analysis;
• Spatial uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis;
• Spatial network analysis and graph theory;
• Spatial data fusion and assimilation techniques;
• Spatial econometrics and econometric panel data models;
• Spatial point process modeling and survival analysis;
• Spatial regression, interpolation, and heterogeneity analysis;
• Spatial interaction models and spatial autocorrelation;
• Spatial neural networks and spatial machine learning;
• Spatial extensions of fuzzy set theory and rough set analysis;
• Spatial decision support systems and multicriteria decision analysis;
• Spatial simulation and real-time optimization;
• Spatial machine learning and spatial data analytics for urban and regional transformations.

Spatial science/research domains:

• Geography, environmental science, and applied geosciences;
• Urban and regional studies, urban planning, and design;
• Cartography, geodesy, and geographic information science;
• Human geography, socio-spatial analysis, and spatial justice;
• Built environment characteristics and monitoring;
• Spatial cognition and spatial thinking;
• Spatial data analysis and geoinformatics;
• Spatial dynamics of migration and settlement patterns;
• Spatial patterns, interactions, and spatial heterogeneity;
• Spatial aspects of social networks, culture, and identity;
• Spatial aspects of biodiversity conservation and landscape ecology;
• Spatial aspects of energy, climate change, and sustainability.

Dr. Alfonso Annunziata
Dr. Dario Esposito
Dr. Lucia Saganeiti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Urban Science is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 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.

• spatial analysis, modeling, and simulation
• urban and regional studies
• computational methodologies
• interdisciplinary approach
• indicators engineering
• urban planning tools and models