Local Planning Research Articles

Research on Autonomous Vehicle Obstacle Avoidance Path Planning with Consideration of Social Ethics

Self-driving car research can effectively reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents, but when encountering sudden people or obstacles cutting into the lane, how to reduce the damage hazard to traffic participants and make ethical decisions is the key point that the development of self-driving technology must break through. When faced with sudden traffic participants, self-driving vehicles need to make ethical decisions between ramming into the traffic participants or other obstacles. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a model decision planning method based on multi-objective evaluation function path evaluation of local path planning. This method addresses the ethical model disagreement problem of self-driving vehicles encountering traffic participants and other obstacles. The aim is to ensure the safety of the lives of the traffic participants and achieve the vehicle’s reasonable ethical decision planning. Firstly, when anticipating traffic participants and other obstacles, the vehicle’s planning intention decisions are obtained through fuzzy algorithms. Different sets of curves for various positions are generated based on dynamic programming algorithms. These curves are then fitted using B-spline curves, incorporating obstacle collision costs, and classifying obstacles into different types with varying cost weights. Secondly, factors such as path length and average path curvature are considered for path total cost calculations. Finally, a local path that avoids traffic participants is obtained. This path is then tracked using a pure pursuit algorithm. The proposed algorithm’s effectiveness is verified through simulation experiments and comparative analyses conducted on the MATLAB platform. In conclusion, this research promotes a safer and more sustainable transport system in line with the principles of sustainable development by addressing the challenges associated with safety and ethical decision making in self-driving cars.

Understanding women’s representation and participation in local government planning

Understanding women’s representation and participation in local government planning

An Improved Hybrid Path Planning Algorithm in Indoor Environment

Abstract During the path planning of robots in the indoor unstructured complex environment, there are often problems such as unreachable target points, deflection in the planning process, and failure to avoid dynamic obstacles in time. To solve these problems, an improved hybrid indoor path planning algorithm was proposed, wherein the improved global path planning algorithm was effectually integrated with improved local path planning algorithm. Firstly, the heuristic factor of traditional A-Star algorithm was optimized, search range and nodes were reduced, and then the path generated by traditional A-Star algorithm for path planning was smoothed using the angle bisector tangent point method. Secondly, combining path and environment information, local path planning was undertaken by utilizing the improved artificial potential field algorithm, and the unreachable target points problem was addressed by adjusting the repulsive field parameters. Additionally, dynamic potential field function was constructed to make it have the ability to resolve dynamic obstacles. Finally, in the part of actual environment verification, a comparison was made in this paper to assess the performance of the traditional hybrid algorithm against the improved algorithm in terms of path planning. The consequences showed that, by the hybrid algorithm proposed in this paper, the path planning length was reduced by 10.3%, the running time was decreased by 12.5%, and 34 redundant nodes were eliminated. The consequences indicated that the hybrid algorithm can effectively address the indoor unstructured and complex path planning problems.

Understanding the influence of soil moisture on heatwave characteristics in the contiguous United States

In the context of global climate change, heatwaves are becoming increasingly significant because of the adverse impacts on human health and ecosystems. However, the quantification of heatwaves relies on different temperature metrics, and little is known about how the different types of heatwaves are affected by soil moisture. Using a set of observational datasets during the period 1981–2020, this study investigates the characteristics of warm-season heatwaves over the contiguous United States (CONUS) derived from three different temperature metrics (temperature, wet-bulb temperature, and equivalent temperature), and examines how different types of heatwaves are associated with soil moisture. Increasing trends of all types of heatwaves are observed in most parts of CONUS except for the central US, posing potential risks to human health. Due to limited evaporative cooling over dry soil, there is a substantial negative relationship between soil moisture and temperature-only heatwaves across the CONUS. Meanwhile, in some regions of the western and central CONUS, there is an evident positive relationship between soil moisture and humidity-included heatwaves, which represent the combined effects of temperature and humidity. The event-based analysis in Nebraska emphasizes that temperature-only heatwaves occur over relatively dry soil conditions, while humid heatwaves tend to occur over somewhat wet soil. Our results highlight the importance of considering different types of heatwaves and their relationship with soil moisture from the land-atmosphere coupling perspective, offering valuable insights for local and regional climate planning and mitigation.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of meteorological and agricultural drought, part of Manbhum-Singhbhum Plateau (India): Four decades study using NASA POWER and MODIS data

Drought is an extremely hazardous situation that predominantly affects ecosystems, hydrological systems, and agricultural mechanisms in different pockets of the world. Management of water resources in dry and semi-arid environments has become a critical challenge in the last few decades. The principal objectives of this study are (i) to categorize the severity and frequency of drought events using the Reconnaissance Drought Index and Rainfall Deviation Index and ii) to evaluate the spatial extension of drought in particular drought times of severe and extreme droughts through Remote Sensing Drought Indices (RSDIs). This drought monitoring index is commonly used index for its high degree of resilience and sensitivity to droughts. The result shows that severe to extreme drought occurred in Bero, Tulin, Sirkabad, Manbazar and Bundwan which are 22, 28, 23, 14 and 25 months correspondingly based on RDI3 whereas RDI12 values indicated 26, 47, 42, 22 and 38 months in the study period (1981 to 2021). Bundwan area faced the most extreme drought occurrence in May month of 1996 with −3.58 values followed by Sirkabad, Bero, Manbazar and Tulin. Manbazar is going through severe to extreme drought months (for short time) whereas ‘extreme drought’ frequency (1.67 % to 1.05 %) is higher in the western part mainly in Jhalda I, Jhalda II, Bagmundi, and Arsha blocks of Purulia district (part of Manbhum Singhbhum Plateau). Additionally, the recurrence of ‘moderate drought’ is much greater in Balarampur along with some portions of Purulia I block. The whole study can be summarized as the northeastern portion being challenged with moderate or severe drought conditions while mild or severe drought is a considerable recurrence in the northern section. The outcome of this study will be helpful for local planners and management officials during implementation strategies related to water resource management.

지방정부의 댐 하천관리의 물공급에 관한 사례분석: 유지유량 관리를 중심으로

The purpose of this study was to find solutions for local government dam river management and water supply for maintenance flow. For this purpose, based on data collected and organized on items to be included in the system related to the environment around Unmun Dam and Dongchang Stream, a comparative review of the policy status of other local governments and environmental facilities was conducted, and case analysis was conducted focusing on domestic and international cases. The local government's maintenance flow management plan for water supply in dam river management is, first, to manage the river flow in a stable manner throughout the year in order to perform the smooth function of the river, and second, to pump water to maintain the basic flow rate of the river. A reverse pumping method that sends water from downstream to upstream, and third, artificial supply of soil through flooding or flushing discharge to improve the environment of the river downstream of the dam were proposed. As a result, we tracked changes in the natural ecological environment of Dongchang Stream after the construction of Unmun Dam and proposed dam operation plans and flood control policies to derive implications such as ecological environment restoration, flood prevention measures in downstream areas, and local economy revitalization measures.

Between risk perceptions and adaptation policies: centering climate justice and social innovation in heat vulnerable cities

ABSTRACT This study leverages the roles of climate justice and social innovation in the perceptions of climate risk and climate adaptation policies within the local heat-vulnerable areas of seven Korean metropolitan cities. Using survey and document-based analyses, this work examines residents’ perceptions of climate risks and evaluates local climate adaptation plans in the context of climate adaptation policies. Results demonstrate that economic and social fairness aspects and collaborative learning activities played positive roles in enhancing adaptation policies. Further, higher participation as an aspect of social innovation led to heightened climate risk perceptions. Findings imply that social innovation and climate justice features can contribute to triggering risk perceptions as an initial stage for enabling subsequent steps in support of climate adaptation policies.

Governance Priorities of an Atomized County-level City Born from “Town-to-city” Reform in China: A Comparative Analysis of Policy Texts of Local 14th Five-year Plan

Governance Priorities of an Atomized County-level City Born from “Town-to-city” Reform in China: A Comparative Analysis of Policy Texts of Local 14th Five-year Plan

Are BSR Municipalities on Track for Energy Transition?

Climate neutrality targets and the growing decentralization of energy systems have substantially increased the role of municipalities in global energy transition. However, global shifts and national government demands have often left local public authorities unprepared to face numerous challenges related to local space planning, cost-effective integration, and decarbonization of electricity, heating, industry, and mobility. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the current state of municipal energy transition and analyze how municipalities face climate neutrality target achievement. This study conducts an integrated energy sustainability assessment to investigate the progress of the energy transition in six municipalities in the Baltic Sea region. A benchmarking approach is applied to compare the different levels of energy efficiency and decarbonization in the municipalities. The study reveals different energy consumption patterns of municipal buildings, which are influenced by various factors such as the type of building (educational, office, social facilities, etc.), the heat source (district heating or individual local heat source) and the energy efficiency management practices applied. In addition, a different trend in the installation of renewable energy capacity can be observed in municipalities in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. The study analyses the overall gap between the production and consumption of renewable energy to determine the storage potential and the role in the local energy transitions. The findings of this study highlight the key cornerstones in the current state of municipal energy transition, setting a foundation for better and more effective energy policy planning at national and local scales.

Development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Navigation and Warehouse Inventory System Based on Reinforcement Learning

In this paper, we present the exploration of indoor positioning technologies for UAVs, as well as navigation techniques for path planning and obstacle avoidance. The objective was to perform warehouse inventory tasks, using a drone to search for barcodes or markers to identify objects. For the indoor positioning techniques, we employed visual-inertial odometry (VIO), ultra-wideband (UWB), AprilTag fiducial markers, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). These algorithms included global positioning, local positioning, and pre-mapping positioning, comparing the merits and drawbacks of various techniques and trajectories. For UAV navigation, we combined the SLAM-based RTAB-map indoor mapping and navigation path planning of the ROS for indoor environments. This system enabled precise drone positioning indoors and utilized global and local path planners to generate flight paths that avoided dynamic, static, unknown, and known obstacles, demonstrating high practicality and feasibility. To achieve warehouse inventory inspection, a reinforcement learning approach was proposed, recognizing markers by adjusting the UAV’s viewpoint. We addressed several of the main problems in inventory management, including efficiently planning of paths, while ensuring a certain detection rate. Two reinforcement learning techniques, AC (actor–critic) and PPO (proximal policy optimization), were implemented based on AprilTag identification. Testing was performed in both simulated and real-world environments, and the effectiveness of the proposed method was validated.

Indoor Localization and Path Planning of Mobile Disinfection and Epidemic Prevention Robot

Introduction: In response to the challenge of autonomous localization and navigation for mobile disinfection robots in unknown environments during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the existing patent technology of mobile robots, a localization and navigation approach combining the Cartographer-Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm, an improved A* algorithm, and the Dynamic Window Approach (DWA) has been proposed, enabling effective disinfection and prevention work. Method: First, a comprehensive analysis of two laser SLAM algorithm frameworks, Gmapping- SLAM and Cartographer-SLAM, was conducted, which determined the Cartographer algorithm as the optimal SLAM algorithm for the mobile disinfection robot due to its superior performance. Second, an improved A* algorithm was developed based on its principles and integrated with the DWA algorithm for optimal path planning. Result: Simulation and prototype experiments demonstrated that the proposed approach effectively solved the autonomous localization and navigation challenges faced by mobile disinfection robots in unknown environments, enabling successful disinfection and prevention tasks. Conclusion: The proposed approach has the potential to lead to new patent applications in this field.

A Systematic Review of Sustainability Criteria in Infrastructure Development

This paper explores the immediate need of infrastructure stakeholders for practical guidance promoting sustainable infrastructure development that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and European Union (EU) regulations. Despite overarching definitions, there is a noticeable absence of a uniform set of sustainability criteria, which delays the integration of sustainability principles into infrastructure planning, development, and operations. Through a targeted content analysis of the systematically selected literature from the Web of Science, this study seeks to clarify the characteristics of sustainable infrastructure. In the systematic review of 106 sources, carefully selected through a structured exclusion process described in the Open Science Framework register, the authors construct a comprehensive set of 43 sustainable infrastructure characteristics. Subsequently, these indicators undergo evaluation by sector experts through focus group discussions on the relevance of the proposed sustainable infrastructure criteria to local planning contexts. The focus group’s results demonstrate the adequacy of the proposed criteria, albeit with variations in perceived importance. Additionally, participants in the focus group suggest conducting field tests of the criteria in a municipal setting before scaling up to national policy frameworks.

Not only in the crowd: Benthic litter characterization in a low population density area still reveals widespread pollution and local malpractices

Various anthropogenic activities affect marine coastal habitats, leading to heavy litter pollution. However, whilst high litter concentrations are nowadays common in the proximity of metropolises, few studies investigated the magnitude of this phenomenon around coastal villages and small towns. We hereby characterized the benthic litter occurring in the trawlable grounds of the Gulf of Policastro (Tyrrhenian Sea, central-western Mediterranean), a low population density area that becomes a popular tourist destination during summer. We furthermore tested differences between two depths (∼100–200 and ∼500–600 m) and the impact of tourism on the shallower waters. The area was characterized by a litter abundance of 651.12 ± 130.61 item/km2, with plastic being almost totalitarian (93%). The shallower waters hosted two-thirds of the litter found. Almost all (∼95%) the litter items had a land-based origin, while the sea-based litter was mostly found at higher depths. About 14% of the litter was found to be fouled, with the development of litter-associated communities that somehow mimic the natural ones living on hard substrates. The higher litter presence noticed during the touristic peak (July–August) suggests that tourism is an important source of local litter, although it contributed to the local accumulation in a synergic way with other factors. The majority of the litter items presumably originated from the nearby coastline, while the deeper waters were or are used as a dumping site by the local trawling fleet. The discovery of such a critical waste accumulation and management in a somehow remote area contributes to widen the perspectives on the presence of benthic litter mostly in territories characterized by wide anthropization. Moreover, it confirms that appropriate local policies and communication plans are urged even at a regional level to stimulate citizen consciousness and mitigate the ever growing litter pollution.

Spatial-temporal evolution of driving mechanisms of city resilience: A Sichuan-based case study

The rapid development of urbanization has brought a series of challenges to cities, including a shortage of resources, environmental pollution, social inequality and escalating disaster risks. Cities, especially those in underdeveloped regions, are more vulnerable because they face multiple challenges and pressures. Thus, in developing countries, and in particular in China’s western region, which has experienced more intense urbanization, the implementation of city resilience is especially crucial. Representative of China’s western region, Sichuan Province, was the first province to issue an outline of local practice planning, styled "Beautiful China Construction." Sichuan is thus a pioneering venture in China’s effort to develop city resilience. Presently, however, existing literature on resilience governance has targeted developed regions, which is of limited application in developing countries and regions. Therefore, this study adopts a multi-dimensional and multi-method research design, aimed at bringing to light the key dimensions of city resilience, and analyzing the degree to which these align with China’s “Beautiful Sichuan Policy.” The results reveal that: (1) During the period from 2015 to 2021, city resilience showed an obvious upward trend, stability has been enhanced, relative variability has decreased, there is a radiation effect among cities, and a right-skewed uneven distribution is observed. (2) The spatial distribution of city resilience is unbalanced, with Chengdu and Panzhihua experiencing a relatively high level of resilience, while other areas remain relatively low. (3) City resilience is influenced by many interacting factors. Economic recovery ability, the level of urban development, policies and institutions, and infrastructure development have different degrees of positive impacts. However, sewage discharge levels have different effects on city resilience over time. These research results provide important theoretical support and policy references regarding city resilience construction practice and city resilience research.

Mapping Social Vulnerability to Multi-Hazard Scenarios: A GIS-Based Approach at the Census Tract Level

Floods and landslides cause continuous damage to ecosystems, infrastructures, and populations. Particularly, the occurrence and the existence of different natural hazards in the same territory highlight the need to improve risk mitigation strategies for local authorities and community resilience solutions for inhabitants. Analyzing and mapping social vulnerability provides information about the main features of a specific community to deal with natural events. Specifically, the interaction between multi-hazards and the socio-economic environment suggests multidisciplinary assessments that merge the physical and the socio-economic features of the affected territories, providing a useful approach to support multi-risk reduction planning. In this context, the article focuses on integrating landslide and flood hazard scenarios with social vulnerability in the Basilicata Region (southern Italy) at the census tract level. Thirteen municipalities were chosen as multi-hazard hot spots, while open-source platforms were selected for hazard and social vulnerability data collection and analyses. A geographic information system (GIS)-based approach was applied to combine different hazard scenarios with social vulnerability distribution among 1331 census tracts to detect the most vulnerable sub-municipality areas that need special attention in multi-risk reduction strategies. The results are presented in the form of maps, which provide a relevant suitable tool in local emergency planning.

Spatial-Temporal Process of Land Use/Land Cover and Desertification in the Circum-Tarim Basin during 1990–2020

The problem of desertification in the Tarim Basin, an area with a unique geography and climatic conditions, has received extensive research attention not only in China but also around the world. Between natural factors and human activities, the latter are considered the main cause of desertification, with the excessive use of land resources accelerating its risk. This study classified the degree of desertification into five types, no, light, moderate, severe, and extremely severe desertification, and focused on the spatio-temporal changes in LULC, desertification development, and their relationship in the Circum-Tarim Basin during the period of 1990–2020, and the results indicated the following. (1) Over the 30-year study period, farmland development was frequent in the basin. The total farmland area increased significantly by 1.40 × 104 km2, which resulted from the occupation of grassland (mainly low-covered and medium-covered grassland) and unused land (mainly saline–alkali land). (2) There was a general alleviation of the effects of desertification, but also local deterioration. The area of no-desertification land has significantly increased (an increase of 2.10 × 104 km2), and the degree of desertification has shifted significantly to adjacent lighter degrees, but the area of extremely severe desertification in certain regions has increased (an increase of 7.89 × 104 km2). (3) There was an inseparable relationship between LULC and desertification. Oasisization and desertification were two processes that interacted and were interrelated. There was an approximately 54.42% increase in no-desertification land area mainly occurring in the region where LULC types changed (Region II), although this area only accounted for 9.71% of the total area of the basin. There was an approximately 98.28% increase in the area of extremely severe desertification occurring where there were no changes in LULC types (Region I). Region II demonstrated the best effects of desertification prevention and control in the 30-year study period in the Circum-Tarim Basin. Land development and oasis expansion have led to concentrated water use, resulting in water scarcity in certain areas, which cannot support the needs of vegetation growth, thus aggravating the degradation. Hence, “adapting measures to local conditions, rational planning, zoning policies, precise prevention and control” will be the way forward for desertification control in the future in the Circum-Tarim Basin.

Women’s Role in Local Development: Enhancing Gender Equality in Wan Yai District, Mukdahan Province, Thailand

Purpose: This research was conducted using a qualitative method. The objectives were: 1) to study women’s roles in local development; 2) to analyze the supporting and hindrance factors that affect the roles of women in the local area; and 3) to suggest pathways for the roles of women in local development to reduce gender inequality in Thai society. Method: The collective data came from in-depth interviews with provincial and district developers. Women's empowerment working groups conducted focus groups in four districts: Wan-Yai, Cha-Note, Bang-Sai Noi, and Pong-Kam Dong-Moo. Furthermore, the researcher focused on the women villagers to analyze the factors that influence women's empowerment in the local area and make recommendations to the local administration's women's development strategic plan. Results: Women's role in the Wan Yai district is significant. Women also participate in many aspects of the local community. Regarding politics, some women are interested in applying for local elections, and others work as public health volunteers. In economic terms, many women are essential to generating income and development in the area. Most women in the district are members of the Women's Empowerment Fund, a low-interest source promoting job creation and building careers. Research Implication: Regarding culture, women's groups participated in local traditions, such as the Twelve Annual Festivals of Isan People and the Christmas Celebration. Strong women's organizations and women's participation at all levels supported women's empowerment. However, the obstructing factors to women's development were competition from locals with similar careers and the emigration of the working-age population and younger generations. Originality/Value: In summary, the recommendations for the relevant organizations are the network and women's empowerment organizations, NGOs, and educational institutions to integrate abstractly, investigate, and evaluate continually towards the provincial strategic plan.

Leveraging grants to coordinate land use and transportation planning for local governments: a review of national MPO programs

ABSTRACT Throughout the United States, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are increasingly attempting to shape local land use planning. Some MPOs have developed funding programs that redirect highway and road construction dollars to support less auto-centric community development - which we call Transportation and Land-Use Connection (TLC) programs. Based on a survey of 92 MPOs (out of 402 contacted) and a review of relevant documents, our paper aims to understand the scope and influence of these TLC programs on communities and how their impact is measured. We found that at least 24 MPOs had TLC programs. Our findings show that despite federal funding predominantly supporting these programs, state, county, local, and other regional agencies also provide support. Population size appears to be the most significant influence on an MPO’s participation in a TLC program. Most programs measure pre-implementation success through selection criteria reflecting program goals rather than direct impact measurement. For those that do measure after grants have been awarded, increased non-automobile shares tax revenue and jobs-housing balance were the most common ways success was measured. These findings can help MPOs with existing TLC programs improve formulation guidelines and assist MPOs without such programs in adopting them in their jurisdictions.

Establishment of local caprine population genetic improvement plans to ensure environmental integration in Mediterranean arid zones

Establishment of local caprine population genetic improvement plans to ensure environmental integration in Mediterranean arid zones

Understanding land take by low-density residential areas: An institutionalist perspective on local planning authorities, developers and households

Using a case study design, the study focuses on identifying the institutional configuration that determines land take by low-density residential areas. Methodologically, it combines geospatial approaches and new institutionalism to capture and understand residential development, taking into account the interests, constraints and agency of local planning authorities, developers and households. The geospatial analysis shows that land take in the case study regions is primarily the result of low-density residential areas. We find that the combination of rural housing ideals, municipal policy objectives, municipalities' disengagement from spatial development and private sector interests are the main drivers for this kind of residential development. As the interests and constraints apply to all case study regions, the identified institutional configuration has high power in explaining low-density residential development. Our study thus uncovers a close link between the interests and constraints of actors, which on the one hand explains the limited impact of existing and new planning instruments on reducing land take, and on the other hand fosters path dependency in the development of low-density residential areas. Although there is some potential for change, breaking path dependency requires significant behavioural change among local planning authorities, developers and households.