Community-Level Urban Vitality Intensity and Diversity Analysis Supported by Multisource Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

Urban vitality serves as a crucial metric for evaluating sustainable urban development and the well-being of residents. Existing studies have predominantly focused on analyzing the direct effects of urban vitality intensity (VI) and its influencing factors, while paying less attention to the urban vitality diversity (VD) and its indirect impact mechanisms. Supported by multisource remote sensing data, this study establishes a five-dimensional urban vitality evaluation system and employs the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) to quantify direct and indirect interrelationships between these multidimensional factors and VI/VD. The findings are as follows: (1) Spatial divergence between VI and VD: VI exhibited stronger clustering (I = 1.12), predominantly aggregating in central urban areas, whereas VD demonstrated moderate autocorrelation (I = 0.45) concentrated in mixed-use central or suburban zones. (2) Drivers of vitality intensity: VI are strongly associated with commercial density (β = 0.344) and transportation accessibility (β = 0.253), but negatively correlated with natural environment quality (r = −0.166). (3) Mechanisms of vitality diversity: VD is closely linked to public service (β = 0.228). This research provides valuable insights for city development and decision-making, particularly in strengthening urban vitality and optimizing urban functional layouts.