Artificial intelligence for spatial analysis in cities

Abstract

Spatial analysis, a cornerstone of urban research, has been widely recognized for its contributions to urban governance, environmental protection, and spatial planning. The advent of artificial intelligence is revitalizing urban spatial research. Research on the integration of AI technology and urban spatial research is emerging, and research reviews have been conducted in many application areas; there is still a need to provide a comprehensive knowledge and identify trends from a technological perspective. This paper addressed this gap by constructing a methodological framework that integrates bibliometrics and qualitative technical review. It systematically mapped the existing knowledge, reviewed current research themes, and analyzed patterns in AI-driven spatial analysis. Then, we further identified the development potential of various research themes and suggested future research directions. This study provides insights into the intersection of AI and urban spatial analysis, aiming to inform the development of related theories, methodological models, and applications.