Multi-Objective Site Selection of Underground Smart Parking Facilities Using NSGA-III: An Ecological-Priority Perspective

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript presents an interesting and timely study on the multi-objective site selection of underground smart parking facilities under an ecological-priority framework. The integration of GIS-based spatial analysis, NSGA-III optimization, and marginal benefit analysis is a strong methodological contribution and demonstrates clear potential for application in high-density urban areas. The case study in Haidian District is appropriate and supports the practical relevance of the work.

The introduction provides a good overview of the background and motivation, though some sections could benefit from clearer articulation of how this study advances beyond existing literature. The research design is generally sound, and the methods are technically rigorous. However, the description of the three-stage framework at times feels dense and would be clearer with more concise transitions. The results are comprehensive, and the Pareto front analysis is well presented, though several figures appear overloaded with details, which may reduce readability.

The conclusions are in line with the findings, but the discussion section would benefit from deeper reflection on broader policy and planning implications, particularly for urban governance and transferability beyond the Beijing context. The paper appropriately acknowledges certain limitations but could more directly address the constraints of data sources and assumptions.

Overall, the manuscript is a valuable contribution to the field of sustainable urban infrastructure planning. With revisions to improve clarity, streamline presentation, and strengthen the link to practical implications, it would be suitable for publication.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The English is readable, but some sentences are long and complex, which occasionally makes the text less fluid. A language edit would improve clarity and flow.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This article addresses an interesting and highly topical issue by proposing a systemic, multi-objective approach to locating smart underground car parks in high-density urban areas, paying particular attention to the ecological priority perspective. The methodology presented is structured into three phases: spatial analysis using GIS; multi-objective optimisation using NSGA-III; and post-Pareto analysis using the marginal benefit criterion. In my opinion, this approach is both convincing and innovative. However, I would recommend that the authors provide a clearer explanation of their methodological choices, for instance by specifying the criteria used to select variables and data sources, and by offering more details on how the model was validated against alternative scenarios. It would also be useful to discuss the limitations of applying NSGA-III compared to other algorithms, for example in terms of computational time and dataset scalability. While the work is structured in a logical and linear manner, the technical density of some sections makes them difficult to read, particularly for an interdisciplinary audience. I would recommend introducing intermediate summaries in the more analytical sections to make the links between the various stages of the methodology clearer. In particular, comparative summary tables highlighting the relationships between objectives and constraints would make the results sections more intuitive. The conclusions are consistent with the objectives of the work and highlight the research's innovative contribution. However, I would strengthen the final part by proposing the construction of a summary model derived from the tested and validated methodology. This appropriately schematised model could serve as a replicable and adaptable tool for other urban contexts and types of infrastructure. This would increase the transferability and practical impact of the results, providing urban administrators and planners with a straightforward operational reference.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper study proposes a three-stage multi-objective optimization strategy for siting underground smart parking facilities using the NSGA-III algorithm, with Haidian District, Beijing, as a case study. The paper deals with a very interesting and current subject and incorporates several methods. However, before publication, the following should be addressed.

• Add some results/findings in the abstract
• Add a methodology paragraph at the end of the introduction (describe what each section consists of)
• The literature review should be separated from the introduction
• Uniform reference citations (all references should be cited using [], not as (https://ghzrzyw.beijing.gov.cn/; accessed on June 2025))
• Add a pseudo-code in the paper
• Add theoretical implications
• Add managerial implications
• Add future research directions

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf