Abstract
Digital planning for urban systems demands an integrated framework that can capture cross-sectoral dependencies, support causal reasoning, and remain adaptable to diverse data sources. In this paper, we introduce a novel methodology that combines backward-chaining analysis with a directed acyclic model (DAM) to identify, decompose, and interlink key performance indicators across three critical planning domains: drinking water supply, urban heat stress, and housing provision. First, building on a comprehensive indicator review conducted in a prior study, we selected the top 50% most frequently reported indicators as targets for our analysis. Using backward chaining, we trace each indicator back to its fundamental drivers, classifying variables into Driving forces, Pressures, State, Impacts, and Responses (DPSIR). We then quantify relational dependencies and centrality metrics to construct a sector-specific DAM for each domain, specifying required data objects and calculation functions. Finally, we merge overlapping objects—such as population growth, urbanization, and meteorological inputs—into an integrated cross-sector DAM, revealing critical causal pathways and enabling scenario testing under varied driver assumptions (e.g., climate change scenarios, demographic shifts, credit conditions). Our results highlight how infrastructural and natural-system interventions propagate through water reliability, thermal comfort, and housing affordability. The proposed framework not only clarifies data interoperability requirements and analytic workflows for digital planning tools but also offers a scalable template for extending cross-sectoral impact analysis to additional urban challenges. By structuring complex interactions into a unified, computable schema, this approach empowers planners to evaluate trade-offs, test policy scenarios, and support evidence-based decision-making in rapidly evolving urban contexts.
Water supply system
Causal Chain
Explore the causal chain for water supply planning and monitoring. The interactive visualization allows you to see the relationships between different indicators and their classifications.
Directed Acyclic Model
View Water System diagram (PDF)
Urban Heat Stress
Causal Chain
Explore the causal chain for urban heat stress. The interactive visualization allows you to see the relationships between different indicators and their classifications.
Directed Acyclic Model
View Heat Architecture diagram (PDF)
Housing provision
Causal Chain
Explore the causal chain for housing provision. The interactive visualization allows you to see the relationships between different indicators and their classifications.
Directed Acyclic Model
View Housing DAG (PDF)
Integrated Directed Acyclic Model
This is the integrated model across the three planning sectors. Explore the full model and the interrelations present from object to object. In dark blue there is a descriptive function that should be included when transforming the model into an operational tool.