Applications of Digital Modeling, 3D Modeling, and Simulation Visualization for Urban Development
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2025 | Viewed by 546
Special Issue Editors
Interests: 3D building modeling; satellite images classification; point cloud processing; filtering and classification; camera calibration; accuracy assessment of UAS images georeferencing; improvement methods and applications of digital terrain and surface models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: photogrammetric engineering and remote sensing mapping; unmanned aerial mapping systems for geomatics; robotic mapping; algorithmic aspects for rapid processing of UAS data; data co-registration; image sequence for mapping and scene analysis; spatial awareness and intelligence; risk assessment and disaster management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: photogrammetric 3D reconstruction and classification from terrestrial, aerial, and satellite imagery; point cloud processing, filtering, and classification; sensor calibration; accuracy analysis; improvement methods and applications of digital terrain and surface models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In the face of rapid urbanization and the increasing complexity of modern cities, digital technologies have emerged as powerful tools to shape the future of urban development. This Special Issue seeks to bring together cutting-edge research and practical advancements that leverage digital modeling and simulation techniques to address urban planning, design, and management challenges. The integration of 3D modeling, simulation visualization, and digital tools enables professionals to analyze urban systems, optimize spatial layouts, and enhance decision-making processes. From smart city initiatives to sustainable infrastructure planning, these technologies foster innovative solutions that improve efficiency, inclusivity, and resilience in urban environments. This collection highlights contributions that demonstrate the transformative potential of digital modeling in fields such as urban design, transportation planning, environmental analysis, and stakeholder engagement. By exploring emerging methodologies and case studies, this Special Issue aims to inspire researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to embrace digital tools for creating smarter, more sustainable cities.
We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, which focuses on the transformative role of digital technologies in shaping the future of urban development and aims to bring together innovative research and practical advancements that leverage digital modeling, 3D visualization, and simulation techniques to address the challenges of urban planning, design, and management. Join us in advancing the field and fostering innovative solutions for urban environments.
Research areas may include, but are not limited to:
- Leveraging photogrammetry and remote sensing for 3D city modeling and land-use planning;
- The integration of remote sensing and GIS for monitoring land-use dynamics in rapidly growing cities;
- Documenting and reconstructing cultural heritage sites using high-resolution photogrammetry and LiDAR techniques;
- Simulation visualization for the preservation of historical urban landscapes during modernization efforts;
- Satellite-based remote sensing for tracking urban sprawl and environmental impacts;
- Creating digital twins of urban environments using photogrammetry, GIS, and LiDAR technologies;
- Simulation visualization for energy-efficient urban planning and resource management;
- Using remote sensing data for flood modeling and risk assessment in urban areas;
- Post-disaster damage assessment and 3D visualization;
- Analyzing urban heat islands using remote sensing and 3D modeling techniques;
- Applications of simulation visualization to optimize green spaces and urban vegetation;
- Monitoring road networks, bridges, and buildings through multi-sensor remote sensing and 3D simulation;
- Photogrammetric techniques for the assessment of urban infrastructure degradation and maintenance planning;
- UAS-based photogrammetry for the real-time 3D mapping of urban construction sites;
- Utilizing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in participatory urban design processes;
- Using 3D visualization to communicate complex urban development plans to stakeholders;
- Analyzing urban air quality and pollution dispersion using remote sensing data and digital simulations;
- Modeling urban hydrology and water resource management through 3D visualization;
- Integrating IoT data, remote sensing, and 3D models for real-time urban simulations;
- Digital twin applications for predictive analysis and sustainable urban growth management;
- Combining photogrammetric and remote sensing techniques for high-resolution terrain and urban surface modeling;
- Applications and techniques for underground infrastructure visualization;
- Modeling climate risks, such as flooding and heatwaves, using remote sensing and simulation tools;
- AI-driven analysis of remote sensing data for automated land-use classification and change detection;
- Machine learning applications in photogrammetry for efficient 3D model generation and analysis;
- Simulating urban traffic patterns using remote sensing and 3D modeling tools;
- Planning smart transportation systems through integrated visualization and remote sensing data.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Valeria Ersilia Oniga
Prof. Dr. Costas Armenakis
Guest Editors
Dr. Ana Maria Loghin
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- simulation visualization
- smart cities
- urban infrastructure monitoring
- land use change detection
- virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
- machine learning in urban modeling
- urban heritage preservation
- transportation and mobility planning
- hydrology and water resource management
- AI-driven remote sensing
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
