Categories
PhD

Towards Pedestrian-Friendly Cities: Employing Geospatial Artificial Intelligence for Urban Planning

Doctoral Researcher Mohamed Mahmoud

Supervisors Dr. Asya Natapov and Dr. Taimaz Larimian

This PhD research delves into optimizing pedestrian-friendly urban planning to foster vibrant, sustainable cities by developing a comprehensive, data-driven framework. It begins with a rigorous systematic review of existing pedestrian monitoring techniques, critically evaluating their scalability, reliability, and suitability for diverse urban contexts. This analysis will inform the refinement of data collection methodologies, particularly focusing on enhancing the accuracy and robustness of WiFi-derived pedestrian data through meticulous validation against field observations and video data. A key element is the development of a GeoAI-powered predictive model, integrating advanced machine learning algorithms with sophisticated spatial analysis techniques to forecast pedestrian detailed density, flow patterns, and temporal variations. This model will account for a wide range of factors influencing pedestrian movements, including temporal dynamics and environmental characteristics. Furthermore, the research identifies and characterizes pedestrian hotspots, mapping their spatiotemporal fluctuations and investigating the underlying determinants of pedestrian activity, such as land use mix and accessibility. Crucially, it examines the intricate relationships between urban infrastructure, business activity, and pedestrian movement patterns, exploring how elements like street design, public amenities, and commercial operations influence walkability. Ultimately, this research aims to provide actionable insights and evidence-based strategies for creating pedestrian-oriented urban environments that promote sustainability, economic vitality, and enhanced quality of life.

Pedestrian activity patterns in Loughborough town centre during November 2024

The Poster presented by the doctoral researcher a the 2025 DR Summer Showcase and the ABCE Research Symposium at Loughborough University. This poster won the People’s Choice Award at the ABCE Research Symposium and the Social Media Award at the Doctoral College’s Summer Showcase.

Platform
Loughborough in Motion