ABSTRACT
GIS-based modeling has emerged as a powerful tool for estimating and mapping carbon emissions from urban areas for understanding spatial patterns and devising mitigation strategies. In this chapter, we review and analyze the currently available datasets and methods for spatial modeling, including top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid approaches. We compare the strengths and weaknesses of these methods and explore future needs and trends in the development of spatial models. Two cases in mega-urban regions in China using GIS-based methods and open urban form data are presented, demonstrating the potential for more accurate inventories of urban carbon emissions at higher spatial resolutions. We conclude that with newly developed urban morphology extraction technology and geospatial techniques, more accurate inventories of urban carbon emissions can be developed, supporting policy decisions regarding urban energy resilience and low-carbon development for different cities. The use of open and high-quality urban form data can also facilitate the development of a generic method for conducting high-resolution urban carbon emission modeling for global cities.
