Incorporating Planning Intelligence into Deep Learning: A Planning Support Tool for Street Network Design

Deep learning applications in shaping ad hoc planning proposals are limited by the difficulty of integrating professional knowledge about cities with artificial intelligence. We propose a novel, complementary use of deep neural networks and planning guidance to automate street network generation that can be context-aware, learning-based, and user-guided. The model tests suggest that the incorporation of planning knowledge (e.g., road junctions and neighborhood types) in the model training leads to a more realistic prediction of street configurations. Furthermore, the new tool provides both professional and lay users an opportunity to systematically and intuitively explore benchmark proposals for comparisons and further evaluations.

Automated summary

The study introduces a novel approach leveraging deep neural networks and planning guidance to automate street network generation, suggesting that incorporating planning knowledge improves the accuracy of model predictions. The new tool allows both professionals and lay users to systematically and intuitively explore benchmark proposals for comparisons and evaluations.