Work

Urban Synthetic Data for Whom? Shifting the Focus from Objects to People

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Urban synthetic data has emerged as a transformative tool for planning research, yet its full potential remains constrained by an overwhelming focus on physical spaces and object recognition. Current digital twin analysis prioritizes built environments over human interactions, while privacy concerns in social media-based behavioral studies limit reproducibility. This commentary argues for a paradigm shift—one that integrates human vibrancy into urban synthetic data approaches to foster human-centered digital twins. By addressing key challenges of privacy, reproducibility, and technical feasibility, human-centered synthetic data can redefine urban informatics, bridging the gap between digital representations and lived urban experiences.

Source: Journal of Planning Education and Research

DOI: 10.1177/0739456x251383141

Authors: Xinyue Ye, Wei Zhai, Xishuang Dong

Institutions: University of Alabama, The University of Texas at Arlington, Prairie View A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Smart Cities and Technologies

Subfield: Media Technology

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900