A systematic literature review of citizen science in urban studies and regional urban planning: policy, practical, and research implications

Abstract

Citizen Science (CS) has been useful in research development and policymaking, where laypeople contribute to collecting and/or analyzing data. With the technological advancement of smart cities and data analysis techniques, CS helps foster efficient/sustainable cities and data-driven decision-making. However, more effort is needed to make CS more accessible for urban scholars and practitioners. Thus, we provided a comprehensive overview of CS in Urban Studies and Regional Urban Planning (USRUP) by revealing the main thematic/method approaches, stakeholder roles, socioeconomic/environ mental/policy impacts, limitations, best practices, and cases. Thus, we performed a Systematic Literature Review on CS in USRUP using the PRISMA Guidelines of 94 studies collected from the Web of Science Core Collection, published by 2023. Our key findings underscore the practical uses of diverse methodologies and approaches employed in CS projects, emphasizing their potential to enhance urban research and policymaking. The core socioeconomic impacts of CS projects are fostering community empowerment, engagement, and educational opportunities. The main environmental impacts are enhancing monitoring capabilities, improving ecosystem service assessments, and supporting adaptive management practices. As for urban planning and policies, CS projects can foster data-driven planning, urban sustainability, urban resilience, healthier cities, and social equity. CS challenges include data quality and consistency, the digital divide, and the need for sustained funding. Best practices have included clear communication, standardized protocols, and strong community engagement. Further developments should involve citizens in more analytical roles (rather than merely instrumental ones, like data collection) in CS projects and explore CS in social urbanism for transforming vulnerable communities.