Author: yvonne

Featured Paper

SCI: Huang, Yongming., Chen, Mingze*,. Xiamengwei, Zhang., Ryosuke, Shimoda., Ruochen, Yang. Multi-Scale Street Vitality Analytics: A Comprehensive Review of Technologies, Data, and Applications. Buildings 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213987

Street vitality is an important indicator of urban attractiveness and sustainable development, and it has become a central topic in contemporary urban planning and research. Using the PRISMA methodology, this review systematically examines four major technologies including machine learning (ML), space syntax, GPS, and sensors, together with six categories of data that are commonly used in street vitality studies. The analysis traces the methodological development of these approaches and identifies application trends across both macro and micro spatial scales. ML has become the leading technology in this field, showing strong performance in dynamic modeling, pattern recognition, and the integration of multiple data sources. GPS provides high temporal accuracy for tracking mobility and identifying spatiotemporal dynamics. UAVs and sensor networks make it possible to observe environmental and behavioral responses in real time. When combined, these technologies support four main research themes: the built environment and vitality, pedestrian mobility and urban dynamics, spatial and visual characterization, and social interaction. Other complementary data sources, including social media, online maps, surveys, and government statistics, expand analytical coverage and improve contextual interpretation across different spatial and cultural settings. The review emphasizes the need to connect advanced technologies and diverse data sources with broader concerns of governance, ethics, and civic participation, while maintaining a focus on methodological and data-based synthesis. By clarifying the technological pathways and data foundations of street vitality research, this study provides a structured reference for researchers, urban designers, and policymakers who aim to develop evidence-based and socially responsive frameworks for urban space evaluation and planning.

Peer-reviewed Articles

6. SCI: Huang, Yongming., Chen, Mingze,. Xiamengwei, Zhang., Ryosuke, Shimoda., Ruochen, Yang*. Multi-Scale Street Vitality Analytics: A Comprehensive Review of Technologies, Data, and Applications. Buildings 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213987 [donwload]
5. SCI: Huang, Yongming., Jiani, Du., Chen, Mingze*., Yuxuan, Lin., Shaopo, Huang., Yuxuan, Cai. Evaluating the spatial-temporal impact of urban nature on urban vitality in Vancouver: A social media and GPS data approach Land use policy 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2025.107824 [donwload]
4. SCI: Zang, Xiamengwei., Chen, Mingze*,. Huang, Yongming. Who gets to use the street? Evaluate the utilization and inclusiveness using crowdsourced videos and vision-language models Sustainable Cities and Society 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2025.106906 [donwload]
3. SCI: Cai, Yuxuan+., Huang, Yongming+., Chen, Anzhi., Yang, Zhuohao., Chen, Mingze,. Wen, Yuhan., Yang, Qiuyi., Li, Xiaowei*. Subjective Perception or the Physical Environment: Which Matters More for Public Area Visitation Thresholds Across Different COVID-19 Pandemic Stages? Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 2025 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.128835 [donwload]
2. SCI: Wang, Zhanzhu., Shen, Maoting., Huang, Yongming*.Combining Eye-Tracking Technology and Subjective Evaluation to Determine Building Facade Color Combinations and Visual Quality. Applied Sciences 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188227 [donwload]
1. SCI: Wang, Zhanzhu., Shen, Maoting., Huang, Yongming*. Exploring the Impact of Facade Color Elements on Visual Comfort in Old Residential Buildings in Shanghai: Insights from Eye-Tracking Technology. Buildings 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061758 [donwload]

Reviewer of Journal Manuscripts

Sustainable Cities and Society | Plos one | Heritage Science

Conference

2024

3. Chen, Mingze., Huang, Yongming*., Zheng, Yuqiao., Du, Jiani. Defining Urban Vitality Using Text-based, Image-based, and GPS Data | 2024 ACSP (Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning) Conference Abstract (Accepted)

2. Chen, Mingze., Huang, Yongming*., Zheng, Yuqiao., Du, Jiani. Evaluating Urban Vitality with Big Data across 10 Global Cities | 2024 IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects) Conference Abstract (Accepted)

1. Chen, Mingze., Huang, Yongming*., Zheng, Yuqiao., Du, Jiani. Evaluating Urban Vitality with Big Data: Insights from Social Media and GPS Data across 10 Global Cities | 2024 EDRA (Environmental Design Research Association) Conference Abstract (Accepted)

Book

Qualifications:

This position is open to advanced undergraduate or graduate students with a background in urban forestry, urban planning, landscape architecture, computer science, or related fields. Desired qualifications include: – Passion for urban green space planning/urban design and state-of-the-art technologies – Experience with Python programming (computer vision) – Enjoys hands-on and practical work – Able to use GIS mapping and analysis software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) and willing to expand upon these skills – Well-organized and skilled in project management – A self-starter who can work with minimal supervision – Able to organize and manage data at a basic level and willing to expand upon these skills – Proficient with common software programs, such as Microsoft Excel and Word – Friendly, positive and professional in communications with collaborators – Willing to contribute ideas and solutions.

Contributions to University Community & Student Learning Components (UBC Vancouver Work Learn Program)Required *

This position will contribute to the UBC community, particularly the urban forestry program in the Faculty of Forestry, by strengthening and demonstrating students’ research and analytical capacity. This study also addresses practical issues—unequal access to recreational resources–in the Vancouver community.

As a supervisor, I try to foster a welcoming learning environment that encourages a growth mindset, respect for diversity, analytical thinking, and peer-to-peer training. I recognize that historically, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity is lacking in urban forestry compared with other disciplines. One of my core training goals is to involve students of various backgrounds because I believe that diversity can generate more ideas. To promote an equitable, diverse, and inclusive learning environment, I recruit and mentor underrepresented students, allow flexible time management (e.g., accommodating family care time), enhance cross-cultural collaboration beyond my research group, and pursue research that benefits underrepresented communities (e.g., environmental justice, green equity, systemic bias in demographics).