Space4Cities – Zoning Impact Measurements with Space Data (HIGHLIGHT)

By Linda Mandell

Last updated: 23.8.2025

This project develops a digital platform for assessing zoning impacts using Earth observation data.

The result zoning impact assessment tool is scalable and web-based, and integrates EO data with local planning, empowering municipalities to make climate-smart urban land-use decisions.

During the project, Avoin Map develops the ZIM – Zoning Impact Mapper as an open-source planning platform for European cities. ZIM combines Copernicus Sentinel satellite data, AI-powered land cover models, and local zoning inputs to assess long-term carbon, biodiversity, and social impacts of land-use changes. The service enables transparent, scenario-based planning and helps cities align with EU climate and conservation goals.

Status and news

Beta release expected in 2026.

Illustration: Linda Mandell, Avoin

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Duration

6/2025-4/2027

Offered expertise

Stakeholder co-creation, Scientific collaboration, Design, Environmental modelling, Remote sensing, Machine learning, Software engineering, Open-source, Communications

Openness

Mainly open data, models, and code

Funder

European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme via EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)

Grant ID

101131955

Links

https://space4cities.eu/news/