Search

This study introduces a novel approach to urban public safety analysis inspired by a streetscape analysis commonly applied in urban criminology, leveraging the concept of micro-geographical units to account for urban spatial heterogeneity. Recognizing the intrinsic uniformity within these smaller, distinct environments of a city, the methodology represents a shift from large-scale regional studies to a more localized and precise exploration of urban vulnerability. The research objectives focus on three key aspects: first, establishing a framework for identifying and dividing cities into micro-geographical units; second, determining the type and nature of data that effectively illustrate the potential vulnerability of these units; and third, developing a robust and reliable evaluation index system for urban vulnerability. We apply this innovative method to Urumqi's Tianshan District in Xinjiang, China, resulting in the formation of 30 distinct micro-geographical units. Using WorldView-2 remote sensing imagery and the object-oriented classification method, we extract and evaluate features related to vehicles, roads, buildings, and vegetation for each unit. This information feeds into the construction of a comprehensive index, used to assess public security vulnerability at a granular level. The findings from our study reveal a wide spectrum of vulnerability levels across the 30 units. Notably, units X1 (Er Dao Bridge) and X7 (Gold Coin Mountain International Plaza) showed high vulnerability due to factors such as a lack of green spaces, poor urban planning, dense building development, and traffic issues. Our research validates the utility and effectiveness of the micro-geographical unit concept in assessing urban vulnerability, thereby introducing a new paradigm in urban safety studies. This micro-geographical approach, combined with a multi-source data strategy involving high-resolution remote sensing and field survey data, offers a robust and comprehensive tool for urban vulnerability assessment. Moreover, the urban vulnerability evaluation index developed through this study provides a promising model for future urban safety research across different cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resources and environment provide the fundamental conditions for human life. With the rapid growth of population and development of regional social economies, the environment and ecosystems have been disturbed to varying degrees. Contradictions among human beings, resources and environment have become a key issue restricting the sustainable development, particularly in arid and semiarid regions. This study takes the arid and semiarid region of Xinjiang, China, as an example. An evaluation model and index system of resource and environmental carrying capacity (RECC) are proposed based on the "pressure-vulnerability-adaptability" (PVA) concept. The RECCs in Xinjiang from 2000 to 2019 were quantitatively evaluated, and the reasons for the spatio-temporal changes of RECC were explored. In addition, the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) algorithm was introduced to realize multi-scenario simulations with concerning different decision-making preferences. Results indicated that: (1) the RECC in Xinjiang presents a spatial pattern of "high pressure around the three mountains and low pressure around the two basins" and the area of high carrying capacity decreased significantly from 2000 to 2019; (2) the pressure risk indicators are key factors in evaluating the RECC and the difference between the regional RECC and pressure risk is largely affected by vulnerability and adaptability; (3) the future regional RECC are predicted differently under different development orientations via the OWA algorithm, which is useful to provide decision-making references for promoting sustainable development. • The RECC evaluation model and index system for arid and semiarid regions were proposed. • The reasons for the spatio-temporal changes of RECC were explored. • The spatial difference between the RECC and the pressure was apparent. • Multi-scenario simulations of the RECC through the OWA can provide guidance for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]