The China Competence Centre of the University of Würzburg (CCCUW) offers a platform for interdisciplinary exchange on issues relating to China – China Kompetenzzentrum – China Kompetenzzentrum.

Hannes Taubenböck was invited by the CCCUW to present our works on urbanization in China. In his presentation titled “Urbanization in China – Perspectives from space” he showed the highly dynamic development of urban growth in a global comparison, but also addressed urban forms such as ghost cities or urban villages specific for Chinese.

Here is the abstract of the presentation: The view from space allows a different perspective on our world. It shows how unique and beautiful our blue planet is – as the recent Artemis-2 mission impressively demonstrated once again. However, the view from space also allows us to show how mankind is remodeling our planet according to its needs and ideas. In this presentation, satellite data and AI algorithms form the basis for revealing new insights into past and on-going urban developments in China. On the one hand, urban processes are shown in comparison to global developments and, on the other hand, specific developments in China are specified. The focus will be on urban dynamics, urban dimensions, urban forms, ghost towns and air quality.

In a lively discussion which followed the presentation, the exchange showed the value of interdisciplinary perspectives and the possibilities for collaboration.

Here is an overview on our works on urbanization in China using Earth observation: Urbanization in China – A review of 12 years of research – Earth Observation News