Measuring Wheelchair Accessibility via a Geo-AI Framework: City-scale Wheelchair-constrained Network Modeling and Spatial Exclusion Assessment
Core question
How can GeoAI perceive, model, and improve mobility accessibility for vulnerable populations?
Abstract
This research develops a large-scale approach to measuring wheelchair accessibility in slow-traffic and pedestrian networks. It combines street-view imagery, spatial network analysis, computer vision, and dual-perspective visual analytics to reveal where mobility barriers accumulate and how they shape unequal access across Chinese megacities. The work aims to connect fine-grained environmental evidence with city-scale planning decisions.
Comparative evidence from Shanghai and Shenzhen reveals where mobility exclusion accumulates.
Current Outcomes
Research, translation, and recognition.
01
Publications
- (SSCI-1) Chen Z., Lei C., Ye Y., et al. (under review). Measuring Wheelchair Accessibility via a Geo-AI Framework: City-scale Wheelchair-constrained Network Modeling and Spatial Exclusion Assessment. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems. Sent for peer review in August 2026.
- (CSSCI) Chen Z., Lei C., Ye Y., et al. (under review). A Large-Scale Measurement for Wheelchair Accessibility of Slow Traffic System: An AI-Empowered Approach. City Planning Review. Sent for peer review in October 2025.
- Chen Z., Weng Y. R., Fang Y., et al. (2024). A Method for Accessible Breakpoint Recognition of Tactile Pavement Based on Graph Neural Network. Construction Science and Technology (01): 33–37+48. In Chinese. DOI: 10.16116/j.cnki.jskj.2024.01.007.
02
Invention Patents
- Chen Z., Weng Y., et al. A method for identifying issues with tactile paving. Invention Patent, China, Patent No. 202210484410.2, 2026.
- Chen Z. & Ye Y. Method and system for assessing wheelchair accessibility on slow-traffic networks based on ramp positioning. Invention Patent, China, Patent No. 202610737513.3, 2026.
03
Research Translation
- Founded the ‘ACC Technology’ innovation and entrepreneurship team.
- Proposed an accessible-governance product system of ‘urban governance + assisted travel’.
- Designed and launched the Intelligent Accessible Environment Detection System ‘Accway’ and a Crowdsourced Accessibility Feedback System.
- Conducted intelligent assessments of urban accessibility in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Huzhou, and other cities.
- Initiated a citizen-participated accessibility co-construction activity in Hangzhou with 100+ participants and 5,000+ accessibility photographs.
04
Selected Awards
- Silver Medal, Zhejiang International College Students Innovation Competition, 2024.
- Third Prize, China Postgraduate Innovation Practice Series Competition, 2024.
- Champion, Future Entrepreneurship Spirit Award, 2025.
- Third Prize, 2026 Digital China Innovation Contest, 2026.
Project Media
Prototypes in motion.
Intelligent Accessible Environment Detection System ‘Accway’
A demonstration of the Accway accessibility-detection workflow.