Utah Researcher Advances Smart Urban Growth Through Data Driven Planning and Technology Integration

The University of Utah is strengthening its role as a national leader in smart urban growth through the work of Guang Tian, a new assistant professor in the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute and the first SCI faculty member from the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning. Tian’s research blends advanced analytics, modeling, and urban design to support healthier, better connected, and more sustainable communities.

Tian previously founded the Center for Transit Oriented Communities at the University of New Orleans, a U.S. Department of Transportation designated University Transportation Center. Now back at the University of Utah, he is applying data driven methodologies to study how cities can reduce congestion, improve walkability, support public transit, and better balance rapid growth with environmental preservation.

His work focuses on analyzing large datasets to uncover historical and present day travel patterns and to model future scenarios. The research evaluates how compact, dense, mixed use development supported by high quality transit systems can reduce emissions and traffic and promote more active, vibrant communities. Tian notes that many residents prefer these kinds of connected neighborhoods, which often improve quality of life.

Utah’s rapid population growth and proximity to sensitive natural landscapes offer a unique opportunity for the state to model sustainable urban development. Tian aims to help shape future planning strategies that protect natural environments while supporting inclusive and efficient growth.

At SCI, Tian is collaborating with experts in machine learning, visualization, and data science to accelerate his research. These interdisciplinary partnerships enable the analysis of millions of travel records and the development of tools that reveal relationships between human behavior and the built environment.

Tian credits his training at the University of Utah’s Department of City and Metropolitan Planning for laying the foundation for his research. Real world observations also motivate his work, including the challenges of traffic, air quality, and access to housing and safe walking environments. Through both research and teaching, Tian aims to help cities become healthier, more resilient, and more equitable.