Relationship between the built environment and urban vitality of Nanjing’s central urban area based on multi-source data

Urban vitality reflects the dynamism, openness, available resources, and linkages between different elements in a city. Many studies have focused on the relationship between urban vitality and the built environment, which can benefit urban planners. Based on multi-source data, this study incorporates the aspects of economy, society, culture, and innovation to comprehensively measure urban vitality. Recognizing the significant influence of the built environment on urban vitality, this paper takes Nanjing as the study area. It explores the relationship between urban vitality and the built environment using ordinary least squares and multi-scale geographically weighted regression models based on multi-source data. The results reveal multi-centered urban vitality within Nanjing’s central urban area, which gradually decreases outwards from the city center. Particularly, the southern region has a higher comprehensive vitality than the northern region. While differences in vitality between dimensions are evident, an overall consistent pattern emerges. The spatial distribution of influence varies across different spatial factor. The method provided in this study gives a new view of urban vitality measurement and evaluation.