AI, Google Street View & Improving Neighborhoods

While preparing a Bottom Line issue on the topic of ‘livability’ I came across a fascinating report that brings together artificial intelligence and Google Street View to provide data on neighborhood improvement. My synopsis of the report is below. The full study can be found HERE.

For anyone whose eyes are on the future, understanding how communities progress is a field of constant study. Unfortunately, the topic presents a unique challenge to potential researchers. Simply put, it is difficult to assemble a large enough collection of sample data to make statistically meaningful evaluations. In a joint study, researchers at Harvard and MIT came up with a novel approach to take on this challenge.

The team used artificial intelligence (AI) to compare Google Street View photographs of identical locations taken over time. Measuring changes in physical appearance, the AI was able to identify characteristics that predict neighborhood improvements.

With large amounts of data now in hand, researchers identified correlating characteristics that can predict neighborhood improvements. Researchers found three notable correlations:

• Proximity – Neighborhoods in close physical proximity to other physically attractive areas are more likely to improve.
• Education Density – Having more highly educated residents in an area will predict physical improvement.
• “Tipping” – Neighborhoods tend to lean toward their starting point. Attractive areas become more so. Unattractive areas do the same.

Of note: The study found no correlation between physical improvement and changes in median income, housing prices or rental rates.

While the research continues to be refined, it is hoped that these results and subsequent studies will help communities identify where best to focus their efforts. Understanding the dynamics of neighborhood improvement could lead to more efficient use of public resources, informing a community’s ongoing strategies and investments and improving the impacts of strategic development.