Amidst rapid urbanization, sustainable development requires moving beyond subjective land-use planning techniques toward innovative computational geospatial models. This paper introduces a GIS-based quantitative framework to enable objective, rigorous land-use compatibility analysis. Uniquely, the model evaluates radial impacts and expert-defined criteria across multiple scales, overcoming the limitations of qualitative approaches. Cell-by-cell computation identifies emerging spatial conflicts with enhanced realism. A case study in Qaemshahr, Iran, demonstrated the model’s proficiency in revealing incompatibilities and hotspots, surpassing conventional methodologies. Quantitative analysis provided accurate, transparent insights for evidence-based planning and consistency in evaluation. Ongoing improvements through 3D, real-time data integration and machine learning will further the objectivity. While extensive testing across diverse urban contexts is still needed, this pioneering computational technique marks a transition from subjective to objective methodologies. Situated at the intersection of geographic information science and urban planning, this study serves as a launchpad for advancing robust geospatial models to shape more equitable, resilient urban futures amidst complex sustainability challenges. The development of rigorous computational techniques remains fundamental, and the present innovative model can be used to provide objective, scientifically grounded compatibility analyses to guide land-use planning.

Urban crime prevention remains a critical challenge intertwined with socioeconomic disparities. This study investigates the spatial nexus between urban deprivation and crime decline in Chicago from 2015 to 2022, addressing the question: How do changes in neighborhood deprivation relate to crime reduction patterns? Using comprehensive crime incident and census tract Area Deprivation Index (ADI) data, this study conducted exploratory spatial analysis, regression modeling, and local bivariate relationship analysis. The findings reveal persistent hotspots of concentrated deprivation on Chicago’s south and west sides, alongside a general citywide crime decline. However, the current research uncovered significant spatial heterogeneity in both deprivation patterns and crime reduction, challenging the achievement of equitable public safety outcomes. Surprisingly, while crime incidents in 2015 and 2022 significantly predicted crime change, ADI scores were not statistically significant predictors in our regression model. Local bivariate analysis exposed diverse relationships between ADI changes and crime rate changes across neighborhoods, with 72.2% of census tracts showing no statistically significant relationship. This underscores the complexity of urban crime dynamics and the importance of local context in understanding these patterns. Our research contributes a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between urban deprivation and crime patterns, providing valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and urban planners. These findings highlight the need for integrated, long-term strategies that address both crime prevention and socioeconomic disparities, ultimately fostering safer, more equitable urban environments and informing evidence-based interventions tailored to specific neighborhood contexts.

Mega-sporting events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup generate immense waste, mirroring unsustainable global production and consumption patterns. Effective waste management strategies are crucial, given volumes reaching tens of thousands of tons during these temporary, high-intensity events. This review paper investigates the evolution of waste policies and technological interventions across major sporting events over the past two decades. Waste volumes, compositions, management approaches, and environmental impacts were assessed through systematic literature analysis. Findings reveal waste generation from 0.25 to over 7 kg per spectator daily, with food, paper, plastics, packaging, and construction debris being predominant components. A transition from fragmented coordination towards integrated national sustainability strategies demonstrates growing prioritization of event waste concerns. Recent editions emphasize circular economy principles like reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery, yet challenges persist in translating ambitions into actions. While technological solutions, including waste-to-energy, smart monitoring, and data analytics, show promise, systemic change requires multi-pronged efforts. Key recommendations encompass proactive, integrated planning across all event stages, continuous innovation, behavior change through education campaigns and incentives, coordinated policy interventions between sporting bodies and government agencies, and strengthened cross-sector collaboration spanning vendors, builders, technology providers, environmental groups, and local communities. With strategic leadership, the influential sports industry could revolutionize circular production and consumption systems globally by embracing sustainability as a core ethos.Implications Statement This research underscores the significant environmental challenges posed by waste generated during mega-sporting events and highlights the evolving strategies to address these issues. Policymakers can leverage these insights to develop integrated, sustainable waste management practices that align with circular economy principles. By promoting proactive planning, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, governments and sporting bodies can mitigate the environmental impact of these events. The study's findings advocate for coordinated policy interventions and behavioral change initiatives, emphasizing the need for a systemic shift towards sustainability. This research not only informs future event planning but also contributes to broader efforts in advancing global sustainability agendas.

Purpose: This study explores the spatial and temporal relationship between tourism activities and transportation-related carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the United States (US) from 2003 to 2022 using advanced geospatial modeling techniques.Design/methodology/approach: The research integrated geographic information systems (GIS) to map tourist attractions against high-resolution annual emissions data. The analysis covered 3,108 US counties, focusing on county-level attraction densities and annual on-road CO₂ emission patterns. Advanced spatial analysis techniques, including bivariate mapping and local bivariate relationship testing, were employed to assess potential correlations.Findings: The findings reveal limited evidence of significant associations between tourism activities and transportation-based CO₂ emissions around major urban centers, with decreases observed in Eastern states and the Midwest, particularly in non-coastal areas, from 2003 to 2022. Most counties (86.03%) show no statistically significant relationship between changes in tourism density and on-road CO₂ emissions. However, 1.90% of counties show a positive linear relationship, 2.64% a negative linear relationship, 0.29% a concave relationship, 1.61% a convex relationship and 7.63% a complex, undefined relationship. Despite this, the 110% national growth in tourism output and resource consumption from 2003–2022 raises potential sustainability concerns.Practical implications: To tackle sustainability issues in tourism, policymakers and stakeholders can integrate emissions accounting, climate modeling and sustainability governance. Effective interventions are vital for balancing tourism demands with climate resilience efforts promoting social equity and environmental justice.Originality/value: This study’s innovative application of geospatial modeling and comprehensive spatial analysis provides new insights into the complex relationship between tourism activities and CO₂ emissions. The research highlights the challenges in isolating tourism’s specific impacts on emissions and underscores the need for more granular geographic assessments or comprehensive emission inventories to fully understand tourism’s environmental footprint.

Previous reviews have examined specific facets of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in transportation planning, such as transit-focused applications and open source geospatial tools. However, this study offers the first systematic, PRISMA-guided longitudinal evaluation of GIS integration in transportation planning, spanning thematic domains, data models, methodologies, and outcomes from 2004 to 2024. This study addresses this gap through a longitudinal analysis of GIS-based transportation research from 2004 to 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. By conducting a mixed-methods analysis of 241 peer-reviewed articles, this study delineates major trends, such as increased emphasis on sustainability, equity, stakeholder involvement, and the incorporation of advanced technologies. Prominent domains include land use–transportation coordination, accessibility, artificial intelligence, real-time monitoring, and policy evaluation. Expanded data sources, such as real-time sensor feeds and 3D models, alongside sophisticated modeling techniques, enable evidence-based, multifaceted decision-making. However, challenges like data limitations, ethical concerns, and the need for specialized expertise persist, particularly in developing regions. Future geospatial innovations should prioritize the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, inclusive capacity building, and environmental justice to foster equitable and efficient transportation systems. This review highlights GIS’s evolution from a supplementary tool to a cornerstone of data-driven, sustainable urban mobility planning, offering insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to advance transportation strategies that align with equity and sustainability goals.