Awareness Analysis of Urban Planning Professionals on Big Data and AI Adoption

Abstract

Given the impetus afforded to the digital transformation of society, it is becoming increasingly important to introduce big data and artificial intelligence (AI) technology in urban planning. Urban planning research has traditionally identified data compilation, resolution, and precision limitations as critical constraints. However, recent technological advancements have effectively addressed these challenges and initiated discussions about the proactive integration of big data and artificial intelligence. Although the necessity for technological adoption is acknowledged, there is a current lack of consideration of the prioritization of specific technologies in the medium to long term and inadequate understanding of how perspectives may diverge based on the demands of technology users. This paper aimed to fill this gap by investigating the sequential introduction of technologies in urban planning and examining how viewpoints vary among stakeholders according to their roles as technology users. In consultation with experts in urban planning, this study 1) analyzed the necessity, urgency, and feasibility of utilizing big data and AI technology in urban planning as perceived by civil servants, public institutions, and urban planning engineers and 2) derived implications for technological applications. The study highlights the importance of introducing technology in urban planning and different perceptions of priorities and factors associated with its introduction.