Urban Transportation Data Research Overview: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on CiteSpace

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of urban transportation data research through policy review, literature survey, concept clarification, and quantitative analysis using CiteSpace. It highlights the multi-dimensional nature of urban transportation data, which encompasses infrastructure status, real-time monitoring, policy planning, and environmental assessment. The study identifies key contributing authors and institutions, particularly from the USA, China, Canada, and the UK, and focuses on areas such as intelligent transportation systems, traffic flow prediction, data fusion, and deep learning. It notes a shift from basic data collection to advanced methodologies like deep learning and spatiotemporal analysis, driven by developments in intelligent systems and big data technology. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing data integration, privacy and security, promoting big data and AI applications, guiding policy formulation, and exploring innovative transportation modes, emphasizing the pivotal role of urban transportation data in the future of smart cities.

 

Overall this is a solid study and some comments are as follows:

1. The authors should summarize their main contributions in bullets in the end of the introduction section.

2. In the literature review section, it is better to update the paper with the latest technological advancements in data collection, processing, and analysis, such as edge computing, blockchain for data security, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for enhanced data acquisition.

3. Also in the literature review section, add the discussion for most recent relevant literature including Hyper-relational interaction modeling in multi-modal trajectory prediction for intelligent connected vehicles in smart cites and A Resource-Aware Multi-Graph Neural Network for Urban Traffic Flow Prediction in Multi-Access Edge Computing Systems.

4. It is better to add some specific examples in the Concept Definition of Urban Transportation Data section so that the readers can clearly know the definitions.

5. In the Econometric Analysis of Urban Transportation Data Research section, the authors show many results obtained from the CNKI database literatures, which are demonstrated with Chinese names and keywords. It would be difficult for international readers to understand relevant results. It is also should be clarified that whether the results from the CNKI database and the WOS database are similar or not. If they are similar, there is no need to use the CNKI database again for the same conclusion.

6. This paper focuses on general discussion.  Incorporate specific case studies that demonstrate the successful implementation of urban transportation data in smart cities. These real-world examples can help illustrate the practical applications and benefits of the concepts discussed.

7. While the paper touches on the importance of privacy and security in urban transportation data, it could benefit from a more detailed discussion on current challenges and potential solutions. Consider adding a section that explores recent data breaches in the context of smart cities and suggests robust encryption methods or anonymization techniques.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer:

Thank you very much. Your valuable comments and suggestions are very important for us to improve the quality of our manuscript. We have revised the manuscript accordingly and the detailed corrections are listed below point by point.

Best Regards!

Authors

Comments 1: The authors should summarize their main contributions in bullets in the end of the introduction section.

Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We have added the main contributions of our paper at the end of the Introduction (Lines 102-112):

• It presents a systematic categorization of concepts, types, sources, application scenarios, and users of urban transportation data, thereby establishing a clear theoretical framework for subsequent research;
• It identifies key hotspots in urban transportation data on both domestic and international levels by CiteSpace, including areas such as intelligent transportation, traffic flow prediction, data fusion, and deep learning;
• Additionally, a comparative analysis of the research differences between domestic and foreign sources is conducted, resulting in targeted policy recommendations that provide guidance for future research and applications of urban transportation data.

Comments 2: In the literature review section, it is better to update the paper with the latest technological advancements in data collection, processing, and analysis, such as edge computing, blockchain for data security, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for enhanced data acquisition.

Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We have added relevant literature in Section 2.3 Literature Review. (Lines 165-179)

Comments 3: Also in the literature review section, add the discussion for most recent relevant literature including Hyper-relational interaction modeling in multi-modal trajectory prediction for intelligent connected vehicles in smart cites and A Resource-Aware Multi-Graph Neural Network for Urban Traffic Flow Prediction in Multi-Access Edge Computing Systems.

Response 3: We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have added the most recent relevant literature, including the above two references [83,84]. (Lines 166-169)

Comments 4: It is better to add some specific examples in the Concept Definition of Urban Transportation Data section so that the readers can clearly know the definitions.

Response 4: Thank you for your observation. Subsequent to defining urban transportation data at the end of the first paragraph in Section 3, we have provided two examples, illustrating static and dynamic transportation data, respectively. (Lines 220-227)

For instance, urban geographic information systems utilize drone aerial photography and satellite remote sensing technology to gather high-precision static transportation data, thereby assisting urban planners in optimizing road layouts and enhancing urban traffic operation efficiency. Additionally, by deploying advanced devices such as cameras and coil detectors on critical road segments, real-time dynamic transportation data is collected. This data is processed using big data analysis technology to support the dynamic adjustment of signal timing in intelligent signal control systems, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing road traffic capacity.

Comments 5: In the Econometric Analysis of Urban Transportation Data Research section, the authors show many results obtained from the CNKI database literatures, which are demonstrated with Chinese names and keywords. It would be difficult for international readers to understand relevant results. It is also should be clarified that whether the results from the CNKI database and the WOS database are similar or not. If they are similar, there is no need to use the CNKI database again for the same conclusion.

Response 5: We appreciate your careful review and valuable feedback on this article. We place great importance on your concerns regarding the research on urban traffic data measurement analysis and have engaged in thorough discussions to address them: (1) We have translated and replaced Figures 5a, 6a, 9a, 10a, and 11a (Lines 1081, 1086, 1095, 1100, 1105), which contained Chinese text, with their English equivalents to ensure that international readers can accurately comprehend the relevant results. (2) After conducting a careful comparison and analysis, we found that both databases indicate a rapid growth trend in urban transportation data research. The research hotspots are primarily focused on areas such as intelligent transportation, traffic flow prediction, data fusion, and deep learning. However, regarding specific research directions, the results from the CNKI database emphasize practical applications and technical details of domestic urban traffic data, including traffic data collection and the implementation of intelligent transportation systems. In contrast, the WOS database results reflect a broader international perspective, encompassing interdisciplinary applications such as environmental science and urban planning, while placing greater emphasis on the impact of transportation data on environmental and socio-economic factors. Therefore, we believe it is essential to present the results of both databases concurrently. This approach not only provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements and differences in urban transportation data research both domestically and internationally but also offers richer informational references for scholars worldwide, thereby fostering international exchange and collaboration.

Comments 6: This paper focuses on general discussion. Incorporate specific case studies that demonstrate the successful implementation of urban transportation data in smart cities. These real-world examples can help illustrate the practical applications and benefits of the concepts discussed.

Response 6: Agree. We have added “Section 6 Smart City Transportation Data Application and Challenges” after Section 5, which includes specific case studies demonstrating the successful application of urban transportation data in smart cities. (Lines 879-912)

Comments 7: While the paper touches on the importance of privacy and security in urban transportation data, it could benefit from a more detailed discussion on current challenges and potential solutions. Consider adding a section that explores recent data breaches in the context of smart cities and suggests robust encryption methods or anonymization techniques.

Response 7: Thank you for pointing this out. We have added 'Section 6: Smart City Transportation Data Application and Challenges' following Section 5, which encompasses specific case studies exploring the current challenges and potential solutions pertaining to privacy and security in urban transportation data, particularly highlighting recent data breach incidents within the context of smart cities. (Lines 913-941)

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thanks for submitting this paper for being considered in Sustainability. The manuscript (sustainability-3237021) constitutes both a review study and a qualitative analysis of data on urban transportation. The results of the analysis are compelling, the theoretical and practical aspects are noteworthy, and the manuscript's findings have the potential to enhance traffic management in future smart cities, improve traffic safety, and elevate the quality of life in communities.

 My comments are listed below:

 1.     I recommend that you cite the following documents in the text:

- Line 50: "2023 Transportation Public Data Open Utilization Report"

- Line 53: "2024-2029 Intelligent Transportation Industry Market In-depth Analysis and Development Planning Consulting Comprehensive Research Report"

- Line 62: "Implementation Plan for Promoting 'Internet +' Convenient Transportation to Advance the Development of Intelligent Transportation"

- Line 64: "Action Outline for Promoting the Development of Big Data in Comprehensive Transportation (2020-2025)"

22.  If feasible, translate the Chinese text into English.

33.  Evaluate the potential for conducting a meta-analysis.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer:

Thank you very much. Your valuable comments and suggestions are very important for us to improve the quality of our manuscript. We have revised the manuscript accordingly and the detailed corrections are listed below point by point.

Best Regards!

Authors

Comments 1: I recommend that you cite the following documents in the text:

- Line 50: "2023 Transportation Public Data Open Utilization Report"

- Line 53: "2024-2029 Intelligent Transportation Industry Market In-depth Analysis and Development Planning Consulting Comprehensive Research Report"

- Line 62: "Implementation Plan for Promoting 'Internet +' Convenient Transportation to Advance the Development of Intelligent Transportation"

- Line 64: "Action Outline for Promoting the Development of Big Data in Comprehensive Transportation (2020-2025)"

Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We have cited the above documents (References [1-4]) in the paper, and these citations appear in lines 1111-1120.

Comments 2: If feasible, translate the Chinese text into English.

Response 2: Agree. We have accordingly translated the Chinese text into English of Figures 5a, 6a, 9a, 10a, and 11a. (Lines 1081, 1086, 1095, 1100, 1105)

Comments 3: Evaluate the potential for conducting a meta-analysis.

Response 3: Thank you for your suggestion. Indeed, meta-analysis is primarily suited for summarizing the results of multiple independent studies for a comprehensive evaluation. However, the focus of our paper is on revealing research hotspots, leading trends, and the historical evolution of urban transportation data through policy review, literature review, conceptual definition, and bibliometric analysis. Therefore, maintaining the original research method is a more suitable choice, as it ensures coherence and accuracy in the research while effectively demonstrating the dynamics and development trends in the field of urban transportation data.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

A manuscript containing a bibliometric analysis of urban transportation data research is worth investigating and publishing among others in „Sustainability”. My most important remark is that this work is too long, includes and mixes elements with different soundness, and in effect, is hard to follow. I strongly recommend reconstructing this manuscript considering the remarks like below.

The majority of search elements (including a description of sources, and appropriate tables, especially: 1, 2, 3, 4, 12 and figures: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) should be presented outside of the main text – in the appendix. The rest of the figures or tables could be left in the main text, but be careful using too large tables. For example, the content of table 5 could be presented as a regular text (subsection).

On the other hand, I need a broader description of the used tool – Cite Space.

I understand the specificity of the Chinese database (CNKI), but the presentation of the results in Chinese (figures: 5a, 6a, 9a, 10a, 11a) is not understandable for many readers. Perhaps, the main parts of these figures could be translated into English.

Write more precisely the goals of this research in the introduction and coordinate the presentation of the conclusions with these goals.

As I think, the manuscript will be more readable after the changes and ready for the next stage of the review.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer:

Thank you very much. Your valuable comments and suggestions are very important for us to improve the quality of our manuscript. We have revised the manuscript accordingly and the detailed corrections are listed below point by point.

Best Regards!

Authors

Comments 1: The majority of search elements (including a description of sources, and appropriate tables, especially: 1, 2, 3, 4, 12 and figures: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) should be presented outside of the main text – in the appendix. The rest of the figures or tables could be left in the main text, but be careful using too large tables. For example, the content of table 5 could be presented as a regular text (subsection).

Response 1: Thank you for your constructive feedback. We have moved these tables and figures (Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12 and Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) into Appendix A, and simultaneously streamlined the content of the large tables (Tables A1, A2). The reason for retaining the tables is to present them more intuitively and to compare their content. (Lines 1061-1109)

Comments 2: On the other hand, I need a broader description of the used tool – Cite Space.

Response 2: Agree. We have added a supplementary description of CiteSpace in Section 4.1 Research Method. (Lines 331-336)

CiteSpace, a scientific bibliometric software developed on the Java platform, is extensively utilized in the construction of knowledge graphs and visualization analysis within academic research domains. Through the meticulous mining and analysis of literature data, it adeptly uncovers the research hotspots, frontier trends, and historical evolution trajectories of a given field, thereby facilitating a comprehensive under-standing and grasp of the field's development trajectory.

Comments 3: I understand the specificity of the Chinese database (CNKI), but the presentation of the results in Chinese (figures: 5a, 6a, 9a, 10a, 11a) is not understandable for many readers. Perhaps, the main parts of these figures could be translated into English.

Response 3: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. Therefore, we have translated Figures 5a, 6a, 9a, 10a, and 11a into English. (Lines 1081, 1086, 1095, 1100, 1105)

Comments 4: Write more precisely the goals of this research in the introduction and coordinate the presentation of the conclusions with these goals.

Response 4: Thank you for pointing this out. In the introduction, we have articulated the research objectives with greater clarity such as “to reveal the research hotspots, frontiers, and shortcomings in the field of urban transportation data, and provide direction and reference for subsequent research” in Lines 93-95. Section 5.5 (Lines 710-717) and Section 5.6 (Lines 782-785 and Lines 818-821) have distinctly indicated the identified shortcomings in existing research. Moreover, in the conclusion, we have added research conclusions and recommendations that directly correspond to the objectives proposed in the introduction (Lines 974-978, 983, 989-990, 998-999, 1012-1014,1021-1024, 1034-1037).

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

No  further comments

Author Response

Comments 1: No further comments.

Response 1: Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. Your previous suggestions have been invaluable in improving our work, and we appreciate your rigorous evaluation.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I state that all of my remarks were satisfactorily considered. The paper is more solid and readable now. I have no next fundamental remarks now. Only some technical aspects should be improved:

1. Don’t start a section at the end of the page (line 149).

2. Don’t use “weird” section titles (and numbers) like: “1. CNKI Database” (lines 583, 727) or “2. WOS Database” (lines 646, 775). These sub-sections should be numbered considering other numbers (i.e. 5.5.1, 5.5.2, 5.6.2, 5.6.3). Don’t forget to change the numbers of the next sections (5.6.2 to 5.6.3).

3. Move the appendix to the end of the paper (after the references).

 

In my opinion, this manuscript will be ready for publishing after small corrections like the above.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer:

Thank you very much for taking the time to review this manuscript. We sincerely appreciate your valuable comments and suggestions, which are essential for enhancing the quality of our work. In response, we have revised the manuscript accordingly and provide a detailed list of corrections below, itemized point by point.

Best Regards!

Authors

 

Comments 1: Don’t start a section at the end of the page (line 149).

Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We have moved Section 2.2 to line 150.

Comments 2: Don’t use “weird” section titles (and numbers) like: “1. CNKI Database” (lines 583, 727) or “2. WOS Database” (lines 646, 775). These sub-sections should be numbered considering other numbers (i.e. 5.5.1, 5.5.2, 5.6.2, 5.6.3). Don’t forget to change the numbers of the next sections (5.6.2 to 5.6.3).

Response 2: We agree with this suggestion. Therefore, we have adjusted the titles and numbers of lines 586 and 649. In addition, since lines 730 and 778 are fourth level headings, we have set their numbering to (1) and (2), respectively.

Comments 3: Move the appendix to the end of the paper (after the references).

Response 3: Thank you for pointing this out. We have moved the appendix after the references. (Lines 1363-1411)

Comments on the Quality of English Language: Minor editing of English language required.

Response: Thank you for pointing this out. We have checked and edited the English language again. Especially the abstract and conclusion sections.