ALEX LEANDRO PÉREZ PÉREZ PhD.

What is the Experimental Collective for Remote and Accessible Urban Science?

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The Experimental Collective for Remote and Accessible Urban Science is an interdisciplinary initiative focused on developing and applying innovative methods for the analysis, diagnosis, and evaluation of urban phenomena through the use of remotely available information, open data, and artificial intelligence. Its central purpose is to explore new ways of producing urban knowledge and delivering technical services that enable the understanding, monitoring, and management of territories without relying exclusively on physical presence in the field.

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The collective emerges as a response to a structural transformation in the way cities are studied. Over recent decades, the availability of geospatial data, administrative records, satellite imagery, urban sensors, and digital platforms has made it possible to conduct territorial analysis from virtually any location, provided that reliable information and appropriate analytical tools are available. In this context, urban science no longer depends solely on traditional fieldwork but can be supported by digital systems that expand the scale, speed, and precision of urban analysis.

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From this perspective, the collective proposes an approach that combines urban knowledge, data analytics, and digital technologies to produce evidence-based diagnoses, evaluations, and solutions. Its framework is grounded in the idea that access to information and the capacity to analyze it should become increasingly open, replicable, and accessible to researchers, public institutions, community organizations, and private actors.

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Nature and Approach of the Collective

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The collective is conceived as a space for applied experimentation, where professionals with expertise in urbanism, architecture, territorial analysis, and data science develop methodologies and tools to study cities and territories remotely. It is not merely an academic or research group but rather a platform for knowledge production and service delivery that seeks to connect technical capabilities with real needs in urban governance and planning.

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Its experimental character implies continuous exploration of new working methods, while its applied orientation translates into the production of results that support decision-making processes. In this sense, the collective operates as an urban innovation laboratory, where methods are tested, indicators are developed, and data-driven solutions are designed.

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The term remote refers to the use of information that is available online or accessible at a distance, while the concept accessible emphasizes the importance of democratizing urban knowledge and facilitating access to analytical tools for diverse users.

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Working Principles

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The collective operates based on a set of principles that guide its activities:

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1. Strategic Use of Open Data

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The collective promotes the use of publicly available information as the foundation for urban analysis. This includes census data, satellite imagery, geographic information systems, and administrative records.

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2. Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Urban Analysis

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Artificial intelligence is used as a tool to process large volumes of information, identify territorial patterns, and generate indicators that support decision-making.

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3. Applied Knowledge Production

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The activities of the collective are oriented toward solving real problems in urban contexts, generating results that can be used by institutions and organizations.

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4. Accessibility and Replicability

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The methods and tools developed are intended to be understandable, reproducible, and adaptable to different territorial contexts.

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5. Methodological Innovation

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The collective explores new ways of conducting urban analysis by integrating digital technologies and interdisciplinary approaches.

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Areas of Action

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The work of the collective is organized around five main lines of action, which constitute its operational foundation and service portfolio:

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Remote Urban Diagnostics

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This line involves the rapid assessment of urban conditions through the analysis of information available online. Such diagnostics allow the identification of territorial problems, the analysis of urban patterns, and the production of technical reports without requiring on-site fieldwork.

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Territorial Monitoring and Evaluation

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This line focuses on tracking projects, policies, or urban transformations over time, using indicators and information systems to assess the performance of territorial interventions.

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Data-Driven Urban Analytics

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This area includes the processing and analysis of large volumes of urban data to generate knowledge about territorial dynamics, urban trends, and future scenarios.

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Planning and Urban Policy Advisory

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The collective provides technical support to public and private institutions in the formulation, evaluation, and adjustment of territorial strategies.

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Development of Urban Information Systems

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This line focuses on the creation of digital platforms and tools that facilitate the management, integration, and visualization of urban data.

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Role of the Collective in the Contemporary Context

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The Experimental Collective for Remote and Accessible Urban Science positions itself within an emerging field that combines urbanism, technology, and data science. This field is expanding rapidly due to the increasing complexity of urban systems and the growing availability of digital information.

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Within this context, the collective fulfills three main functions:

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1. Urban Innovation Laboratory

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It explores new methodologies and tools for territorial analysis.

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2. Technical Service Platform

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It provides data-driven solutions to support decision-making.

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3. Community of Practice

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It promotes knowledge exchange among professionals interested in urban science.

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Projection and Potential

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The development of remote urban science represents an opportunity to transform the way cities are studied and managed. As the availability of data and digital tools continues to grow, the capacity to analyze territories remotely becomes increasingly relevant for public institutions, community organizations, and private sector actors.

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In this context, the collective has the potential to become:

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• a reference point in urban innovation

• a provider of specialized technical services

• a platform for applied research

• a space for learning and experimentation

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Its future development will depend primarily on its ability to organize methodologies, consolidate technical capabilities, and establish partnerships with institutions interested in data-driven urban management.​