Commercial gentrification of metro catchment: Lenses of subjective perception and objective nighttime light

Metro is an essential public transportation mode, especially prevalent in major cities. Proximity to metro stations revitalizes surrounding areas, leading to enhancement of commercial activities in metro catchment areas. However, studies on commercial gentrification induced by newly built metros are severely insufficient with both subjective and objective lenses. This study delves into the commercial gentrification catalyzed by the operation of Metro Line 7 in Shenzhen, utilizing a novel approach that integrates subjective street view imagery perception scores with objective nighttime light data. By examining areas within 15-min walking catchments of metro stations, the study identifies a marked upsurge in commercial activities following the metro's operation in October 2016. Objective data indicates a rise in nighttime light intensity from an average of 37.28 units during construction to 49.23 units post-operation. Simultaneously, subjective perception scores provide insights into perceived changes in urban commercial gentrification. A steady rise of integrated trend is noticed after 2016, showing a vital impact of newly built metro line on commercial gentrification. The study employs a combination of advanced machine learning techniques and urban analysis to offer a comprehensive perspective of the commercial gentrification trend shifts driven by metro expansion. It highlights the spatial and commercial gentrification levels across different land uses within the metro catchment areas, providing valuable insights of for urban planners and policymakers.