Abstract: Rapid urbanization and stringent ecological protection policies in China have intensified spatial competition among Urban–Agricultural–Ecological (UAE) spaces. However, existing studies often overlook how this competition evolves across different slope structures. To address this, this study establishes a fine-scale analytical framework using H3 hexagonal grids and slope spectrum analysis to investigate the slope structure evolution and spatial competition mechanisms from 1990 to 2023. The results reveal a distinct topographic stratification of competitive niches: urban space dominates low-slope regions (< 6°) but exhibits a pervasive "upslope expansion" trend, with its average slope increasing from 1.81° to 2.07°. Agricultural space characterizes the transition zones (6°–15°), showing an "upslope migration" in the Southeastern Hills driven by urban squeeze. Ecological space functions as a stable barrier in steep terrains (> 15°) but faces encroachment in transition zones. Furthermore, cluster analysis identifies significant regional heterogeneity aligning with China’s macro-topography: the Eastern Plains are characterized by "low-slope agglomeration," where urban–agricultural conflict is most intense; the Southern Hilly Regions display an "interwoven upslope" pattern; while the Western Highlands maintain absolute ecological dominance. Mechanism analysis using GeoDetector and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) indicates that competition intensity is predominantly driven by human activity factors (e.g., human footprint, nighttime lights, q > 0.29), yet significantly modulated by topographic constraints (e.g., elevation), creating a nonlinear enhancement effect. Crucially, this study challenges the traditional flat-projection planning model. We propose a transition to "three-dimensional topographic regulation," advocating for differentiated management strategies—such as strict "slope redlines" for urban–agricultural transition zones—to resolve the intensifying spatial conflicts in complex terrains and safeguard agricultural sustainability.

Abstract: In the geographic world, phenomena such as mesoscale ocean eddies exhibit continuous and gradual changes. Due to limitations in remote sensing observation technology, a contradiction exists between discrete observational data and these evolving phenomena. While spatiotemporal interpolation is crucial for bridging this gap, existing single-model methods fail to account for continuous process characteristics, making it difficult to obtain consistent datasets. To address this, this paper proposes an evolutionary process-embedded marine spatiotemporal interpolation model (EPMSIM) by integrating deep learning and geostatistics. EPMSIM first decomposes marine time-series fields into trend, seasonal, and evolutionary components using seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL). A convolutional bidirectional long short-term memory (ConvBiLSTM) model is designed to reconstruct the trend and seasonal components, while a process-based spatiotemporal dynamic tracking interpolation method (PSDTIM) reconstructs the evolutionary component. Finally, these components are additively coupled for interpolation. A case study on sea surface temperature (SST)-based mesoscale eddies shows that EPMSIM outperforms traditional geostatistical and deep learning-based baseline models in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM). These results confirm the model’s effectiveness and feasibility in capturing the continuous evolution of marine phenomena and generating high-quality spatiotemporal datasets.

Abstract: The land territory of Pakistan extends from the coastal area towards the Karakoram, rising vertically by more than 8,600 metres within a distance of 1,600 kilometres. The net primary productivity (NPP) has been affected by climate change, but the regional differentiation of climatic impacts on vegetation productivity and the trends of these impacts over the last two decades remain unclear. Using the ERA5-Land climate dataset and the MODIS NPP dataset via partial regression and moving correlation analyses, we identified the main climatic driver of the NPP and assessed the potential climatic forces faced by local vegetation in the future. Our results were as follows: (1) The NPP showed an overall increasing tendency across Pakistan from 2001 to 2022. (2) The areas where the changes in NPP were driven mainly by temperature and NPP benefitted from the temperature change were located in the northern mountainous regions approximately north of 35°N and east of 72°E, and the northern Upper Indus Plain. With temperatures changing over time, the increase in NPP intensified in the northern mountainous regions above approximately 3,500 m a.s.l., whereas the increase in NPP diminished below this zone and in the northern Upper Indus Plain. (3) The areas where the changes in NPP were driven mainly by precipitation and NPP benefitted from the precipitation change were located in the Gandhara Plain, the northern Potwar Plateau and in the middle to southern parts of Pakistan south of approximately 32°N. With precipitation changing over time, the increase in NPP intensified in the region between approximately 26°N and 32°N, whereas the increase in NPP diminished in the Gandhara Plain, the northern Potwar Plateau and south of approximately 26°N. Our findings indicated spatial differentiation in the responses of NPP to climate change. If climate change continues at its current pace, vegetation in the northern mountainous regions below 3,500 m a.s.l., the Gandhara Plain, the northern Potwar Plateau, the northern Upper Indus Plain and regions south of approximately 26°N may undergo risks of degradation.

Abstract: For ages, archaeologists had used shovel test grids and excavation to determine the most likely places to dig, this procedure requires a lot of work and time. In seismic hazard assessment studies, it is important to identify subsurface faults and to constrain seismic deformation parameters near surface. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) method is a nondestructive, noninvasive high-resolution geophysical mapping method favorable to picture the buried archaeological remains and delineation subsurface possible shallow walls effected by tectonic process like faults within altered environments. Processed two-dimensional radargrams were used to identify the location of some anomalies related to ancient walls. The three-dimensional model shows that the GPR anomalies are typically simpler to spot and isolate in order to make the depth and position more clear and delineate the extension of buried archaeological walls at both surveyed sites. The GPR method was able trace a possible 0.5 m deep left lateral strike slip fault affected ancient buried wall at site 2 which was impossible to mapped by 2D profiles. The inferred faultʹs direction and displacement match an exposed fault that has been mapped in the northwest corner of the western wall of the Nabataean-Roman age reservoir.

Abstract: In the context of global warming, extreme precipitation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has intensified significantly. Understanding the internal structure of precipitation events and their response to rising temperatures is crucial for elucidating these intensification mechanisms. Focusing on the Hehuang Valley, this study constructed an event-scale dataset using hourly observations from 15 meteorological stations (2015–2024), introducing “Inter-event Maximum Temperature” as a key thermal driver. By integrating clustering, trend tests, and logistic regression, we analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution of precipitation extremes. Results indicate that: (1) regional precipitation exhibits a pattern of fluctuating frequency but increasing intensity; (2) the proportion of uniform precipitation has decreased while non-uniform types, especially rear-peak events, have increased significantly; (3) spatial heterogeneity is strongly influenced by topography, with extreme precipitation concentrated on windward slopes and in valley contractions;(4) Inter-event maximum temperature exerts a significant non-linear positive effect, where a 1°C increase raises the odds ratio for extreme precipitation occurrence by approximately 13.4%. These results confirm that antecedent thermal accumulation enhances extremes by increasing atmospheric water-holding capacity and convective instability. While decadal-scale uncertainties remain due to the limited 10-year data span, these findings provide a scientific basis for disaster prevention and water resource management in high-altitude basins.

Abstract: Research on adaptive strategies in extreme environments is crucial for understanding the resilience of human survival wisdom. This study integrates multidisciplinary evidence from archaeology, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, isotopic, and geochemical analysis to reassess the role of fishing, hunting, and gathering economies in prehistoric arid Xinjiang, northwestern China. Our findings reveal that, spatially, fishing concentrated in the Lop Nur region of the Tarim Basin, with potential activities extending to the surrounding river basins across the Altai, Tianshan, Pamir, and Kunlun mountains; hunting was more developed in Northern Xinjiang (focusing on deer and bovids) while practiced on a smaller scale in Southern Xinjiang (targeting hares); gathering also exhibited north–south divergence in plant utilization. Temporally, these economies declined from a dominant Paleolithic strategy to a supplementary role in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. However, resilient local adaptations persisted—notably at Lop Nur (fishing), Xiaxingguang cemetery (specialized hare hunting), and the Eastern Tianshan region (high-proportion gathering). Beyond subsistence, these practices were deeply embedded in spiritual life, reflected in totemic symbols and shamanic ritual paraphernalia.This study re-evaluates prehistoric extractive economies, providing critical insights into human adaptation strategies in arid to semi-arid environments.

Abstract: Metro Manila, one of the world’s most densely populated megacities, is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise due to its low-lying deltaic location, frequent tropical cyclones, and rapid anthropogenic subsidence from groundwater extraction. This study integrates historical PSMSL tide-gauge records from Manila Harbour with IPCC AR6 projections under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways, incorporating vertical land motion (VLM) and sea-level fingerprints to estimate local relative sea-level (RSL) changes. Assuming constant subsidence, cumulative VLM reaches –0.785 m by 2100 and –1.289 m by 2150. Including climatic contributions (amplified 10–20% by fingerprints, particularly under high-emission scenarios from far-field Antarctic ice loss in the western Pacific), projected RSL ranges from 1.09–1.42 m (SSP1-2.6) to 1.51–2.00 m (SSP5-8.5) by 2100, and from 1.70–2.28 m to 2.41–3.54 m by 2150. Results indicate 7.95–11.15 km² (1.2–1.8%) of land could face permanent ocean-connected inundation under high scenarios, mainly in Malabon (~18%), Navotas (~20%), and Manila (~7%). These conservative estimates (excluding aquaculture areas) are much lower than prior mid-century projections of up to 30%. Intensified chronic flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion threaten millions, requiring urgent integrated adaptation, groundwater regulation, and combined nature-based and engineered solutions.

Abstract: Water erosion is the main driver of soil loss in semi-arid mountainous regions, particularly in Algeria. Identifying the spatial distribution of erosion is a crucial first step, providing decision-makers with essential information to develop effective mitigation strategies. The main objective of this study is to apply the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to estimate soil loss and rank the sub-basins of the Wadi Cheliff Basin (43,750 km²). Different geographical and non-spatial data sets have been employed to develop different thematic layers of the RUSLE factors such as: rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility factor (K), topographic factor (LS), crop management factor (C), and support practice factor (P). The soil erosion in the Wadi Cheliff basin in the current study ranges considerably from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of tons per hectare per year. Estimated average annual erosion rates were 0.70 t/ha in autumn 2017 and ranged between 0.00 and 0.57 t/ha in spring 2018. Information on soil erosion patterns at the sub-basin level can guide the planning of effective conservation practices. Such information is helpful for the implementation of erosion control practices and improving overall environmental management in the basin.

Abstract: This paper translates a GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation (GIS–MCE) developed for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiH), into a scien-tific manuscript on aquaculture zoning and site suitability in the Republic of Benin. We integrate sub-models on market accessibility, demand (population and asset wealth in-dex), biophysical conditions (water balance, soils, slope), and input availability (crop and livestock systems) to produce suitability indices for three fish farming systems: (i) ex-tensive to semi-intensive small-scale and integrated ponds; (ii) peri-urban intensive closed systems (tanks, ponds, RAS); and (iii) intensive open tilapia cages in waterbodies. A marked south–north gradient emerges, with southern and central communes showing highest suitability for non intensive systems. Priority communes include Bassila, Bantè, Ouessè, Savè, Kétou, Djidja, Agbangnizoun, Zangnanado, Ouinhi, Lalo, Bonou, and Ad-johoun. Intensive closed systems concentrate around Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, and Porto-Novo due to superior market access. For open cage farming, southern permanent waterbodies—particularly Lakes Ahémé and Nokoué and selected reservoirs such as Zagnanando, Azili, and Ilauko—appear promising, though environmental risks (eu-trophication, pollution) warrant caution. We discuss methodological assumptions, data constraints, and limitations (e.g., absence of formal MCDA methods), and conclude with policy recommendations emphasizing environmental safeguards, support to traditional systems (e.g., whédo), improved feed and seed access, and strengthened biosecurity and monitoring frameworks for sustainable aquaculture expansion.

Abstract: Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, Nigeria, is a rapidly growing mid-sized city located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. While this location has driven urban expansion, it has simultaneously increased the city’s exposure to environmental risks, particularly flooding and ecosystem degradation. Despite their growing importance, cities of this scale remain underrepresented in African urban research. Using multi-decadal Landsat imagery (2000, 2010, 2020, and 2024), Random Forest supervised classification, and PyLandStats landscape metrics, this study examines the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth and landscape fragmentation in Lokoja. Results reveal a non-linear urban trajectory characterized by rapid expansion (2000–2010), partial consolidation (2010–2020), and renewed densification with intensified fragmentation (2020–2024). Urban land cover expanded from 6,668 ha in 2000 to 19,371 ha in 2010, declined to 12,883 ha in 2020, and increased again to 15,985 ha by 2024, representing a net growth of approximately 140%. Urban expansion has imposed severe ecological costs. Dense forest cover declined by 99.7% (from 373 ha to 1 ha), while woodland areas were reduced by 73.9%. Core habitat declined from 23% to 13.8% of the landscape, falling below the 15–20% threshold associated with ecological functionality. Edge density increased by 121%, amplifying urban heat island effects, surface runoff, and biodiversity loss. Although grassland cover increased by 77.1%, this reflects secondary succession rather than ecological recovery, given an estimated loss of 3,000 ha of original vegetation. The study recommends enforcing development restrictions below 10 m elevation with 100 m riparian buffers, restoring 500 ha of native riparian corridors, mandating a minimum of 20% urban tree canopy cover, and institutionalizing community-based monitoring of green spaces. These findings contribute empirical evidence on the sustainability challenges of mid-sized African cities and offer transferable planning strategies for ecologically sensitive urban regions.

Abstract: The proliferation of marine data is an opportunity for ocean governance and contributes to fragmentation in the disciplines, institutions, and sectors. Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure (MSDI) stands out as the major framework in integrating marine information; however, its intellectual framework and development are not well synthesised. The research applies the two-step systematic review and bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed literature (2000-2024) to trace the trends in publications, collaboration patterns, thematic cohesion, and time-related changes in MSDI research. Results suggest that the MSDI scholarship is growing faster,, with most of the products being European-made,, with policy frameworks like INSPIRE and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive leading the pack. It is divided into four pillars of themes, namely technical implementation, governance and policy, data management, and stakeholder applications. This development of MSDI can be characterised by five consecutive stages: fundamental technical standardisation, the implementation of the model of governance, semantic interoperability improvement, the integration of the policy, and the sophisticated application of the principles of FAIR/CARE and AI. The paper concludes that MSDI is moving to a more socio-technical approach that requires consideration of a technical-focused tool in the present-day ocean governance. In the future, combining semantic AI, decentralised architectures, polycentric governance models, and impact assessment frameworks to align the MSDI development with the objectives of equity, inclusion, and sustainability should be considered.

Abstract: Land use change profoundly impacts the trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services in ecologically fragile watersheds. Optimizing land use patterns based on ecological function zoning is an important approach to coordinate multiple ecosystem services and promote sustainable watershed management. This study focuses on the Wuding River Basin within the Chinese Loess Plateaue, using Self-Organizing Map (SOM), multi-objective genetic algorithms, and the Future Land-Use Simulation (FLUS) model to explore land use optimization schemes. The results show that the windbreak and sand fixation service (WS) in the Wuding River Basin presents a spatial pattern of higher values in the northwest and lower values in the southeast, while the other six services exhibit a pattern of higher values in the east and lower values in the west. Based on the ecosystem service cluster characteristics, the basin can be divided into soil and water conservation zones, habitat conservation zones, and ecologically fragile zones. The trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services within different zones differ significantly, with the trade-off between food supply (FS), soil conservation (SC), and habitat quality (HQ) being particularly prominent. After optimization, the FS and SC in the soil and water conservation zones increased by an average of 0.63×104t and 1.94×105t, respectively. The FS in the habitat conservation zones increased by 0.11×104t, while HQ remained stable. In the ecologically fragile area, water production (WP) and carbon sequestration (CS) services increased by an average of 0.26×104t and 0.58×105t, respectively. During the optimization process, the reasonable allocation of grassland and unused land played a key role in balancing service conflicts. This study provides a scientific basis for coordinating trade-offs in watershed ecosystem services and achieving land use optimization management through the framework of service clusters, functional zones, and multi-objective optimization.

Abstract: The Novais climate classification is a system that employs reanalysis climate data and integrates both analytical and dynamic approaches to define homogeneous climate units according to the adopted hierarchical scale. This study applies the Novais classification globally, contributing to traditional, exclusively empirical climate classification systems widely used in the globe. Its methodology relies on cartographic products that were generated on the free software Dinamica EGO, associating spatial and non-spatial data through conditional equations. The Novais climate classification system contains hierarchies ranging from the zonal to the local scale, encompassing the regional level for the study area that comprises units divided into climatic zone, zonal climate, climatic domain, climatic subdomain, and climatic region. This study found 11 climatic domains, characterized by the average temperature of the coldest month: equatorial, mild equatorial, tropical, mild tropical, subtropical, temperate, cold temperate, subglacial, glacial, semiarid, and arid. These domains are subdivided into climatic subdomains according to the number of dry months (which can be humid, semihumid, semidry, and dry). Finally, the arrangement of domains and subdomains defines climatic regions by considering variations in relief and the biogeographic regions of each continent. Research at this scale can enhance the understanding of global climates, providing a relevant analytical and dynamic diagnosis that can synthesize the diversity and complexity of the climate across all continents.

Abstract: This study evaluates the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) potential at the building level in the tourism-rich districts of Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, using advanced geospatial analysis to support renewable energy planning. By combining the Area Solar Radiation tool with detailed building footprint data, the study identified solar energy potential and prioritized areas for PV system installations. Results show that approximately 35% of the 1.29 million buildings analyzed are suitable for solar panels, with energy generation capacity varying by building size and district. Spatial analysis further highlighted Union Councils (UCs) where over 50% of buildings are solar suitable, enabling precise targeting of renewable energy initiatives. The study underscores the importance of integrating local geographical and socio-economic data to enhance the feasibility and scalability of solar energy solutions in rural and urban settings, and can be used to guide policy prioritization and funding decisions. This research demonstrates how geospatial analysis and open data can drive localized clean energy adoption, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7 by advancing affordable and sustainable energy solutions.

Abstract: This research examines public perceptions of conflict resolution potentials related to Indonesia’s capital city relocation from Jakarta to Nusantara and applies these insights to develop mitigation and governance strategies. It uses online surveys covering social, economic, political, and environmental dimensions, along with key-informant interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to assess how trust, transparency, fairness, and environmental concerns affect acceptance, legitimacy, conflict risk, and perceived conflict reduction. Results show conditional support, significant risks of inequality, politicization, deforestation, and a need for enforceable safeguards. The paper presents a model that links governance measures, including open budgeting, meaningful participation, FPIC (Free, Prior and Informed Consent), fair compensation, open contracting, and SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment), with a no-gate, no-tender policy, to public perceptions and outcomes. Implementation is guided by a Conflict-Mitigation Matrix that matches risk categories with policy tools, indicators, evidence requirements, responsible parties, and timelines. Recommended measures include public dashboards, targets for local hiring and MSME access, and independent oversight to strengthen social license and accountability.

Abstract: Global biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate; however, evidence suggests that this decline occurs far more slowly on Indigenous-owned land. This can be attributed to cultural worldviews in which protecting nature and living in harmony with the environment are fundamental principles, an ethos central to African societies and many other Indigenous communities worldwide. This study examines the role of Vhavenda traditional belief systems, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural practices in the management and conservation of natural resources and the environment. In contemporary Limpopo Province, the Vhavenda clans of northern South Africa remain among the country’s most traditional communities, continuing rituals and practices that have been transmitted across generations. According to the 2022 national census, the area inhabited by the Vhavenda tribe, records the country’s highest concentration of centenarians, a demographic pattern which they attribute to the region’s cultural continuity and relative geographical isolation, which have enabled the preservation of its spiritual and ecological heritage. The research employed an insider ethnographic methodology, collecting data through personal interviews and a focus group discussion. Findings reveal that Indigenous beliefs, knowledge systems, and taboos play a substantial role in promoting sustainable land use. They restrict development on ecologically sensitive landscapes and discourage harmful practices, such as deforestation and cultivation along water bodies. These practices are enforced through complex customary laws, often articulated through prohibitive norms (“thou shalt not”), that safeguard plants, animals, water sources, and other natural resources. The study further illustrates that these prohibitions reflect a nuanced understanding of the biophysical environment, with the most sensitive and vulnerable ecosystems and ecologically important species, including keystone, foundation, and indicator species, receiving protection. Overall, the research shows the importance of recognising, protecting, and integrating Indigenous cultural systems as a critical component of effective biodiversity conservation.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop theoretical and methodological approaches to assessing the natural resource potential of agricultural landscapes, which includes climatic, soil, land, biological, and water resources. The research methodology was based on the materialist theory of scientific knowledge, methods of mathematical modeling of natural conditions and processes, as well as the use of the Harrington’s desirability function. Based on the study, a model of a system of dimensionless criteria and evaluation indicators has been developed, which are used to determine the natural resource potential of agricultural landscapes (a composite indicator). On this basis, the scale of coded values for specific indicators and the Harrington’s desirability scale are calculated (complex indicator). The proposed mathematical model is a generalized Harrington’s desirability function, which varies from 0 to 1 and is divided into seven subranges (scales): (0–0.17) – catastrophic; (0.17–0.27) – very poor; (0.27–0.37) – poor; (0.37–0.50) – satisfactory; (0.50–0.63) – average; (0.63–0.83) – good; and (0.83–1.00) – very good. These gradations correspond to the general approaches used in assessing the natural resource potential of agricultural landscapes. The proposed methodology and algorithm for assessing the natural resource potential of agricultural landscapes make it possible to determine the degree of desirability according to the value of its function, and can be used for predicting the state of the natural environment.

Abstract: Cities play a central role in shaping societal responses to the climate crisis, concen-trating both climate risks and institutional capacity to address them. While climate impacts are widely distributed, they are experienced unevenly, with marginalized populations facing disproportionate exposure to economic disruption and environ-mental stress, particularly in urban environments. This review article examines how cities can enhance climate resilience while supporting a just transition to a post-carbon economy. It addresses three interrelated questions: how vulnerable urban populations can be better prepared for green employment; how transformations in work and commuting can promote compact, mixed-use, and transit-friendly urban districts; and how such districts can be designed to protect residents from urban heat and improve walkability through shade and nature-based solutions. The analysis synthesizes find-ings from recent empirical studies and applied policy initiatives, including a municipal green-employment pilot in Tel Aviv-Yafo, the “Reinventing Paris” office-to-housing program, and urban heat and pedestrian-behavior research. Together, these cases il-lustrate how physical adaptation strategies interact with labour-market dynamics and social policy. The review concludes that effective urban climate resilience requires in-tegrating infrastructural and spatial interventions with labour-market transformation, social protection, and inclusive governance, positioning cities as key operational units for advancing equitable climate action.

Abstract: As dockless bike-sharing systems rapidly expanded across China, scholars have increasingly examined bicycle usage efficiency across locations and its relationship to the geographical environment. Existing studies rely primarily on big data to evaluate location-specific efficiency using Time-to-Booking (ToB)—the idle duration before a bicycle is rented at a given location. This indicator, however, ignores network flow effects: bicycles departing from the same location may reach destinations with vastly different ToB values. This gap is addressed by incorporating the destination ToB after each trip, developing a flow-integrated ToB index for central Beijing. Analysis reveals that the improved index exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity while maintaining the overall distribution pattern of the original metric, indicating that most bicycles flow to areas with efficiency similar to that of their origin. The flow-integrated index compresses the efficiency range—maximum values decrease, minimum values increase—suggesting greater spatial balance in usage efficiency. Bicycles in the city center consistently show higher usage efficiency than those in peripheral areas. Multiple factors influence usage efficiency with significant spatial heterogeneity. Understanding of bike-sharing efficiency is advanced, and practical insights are provided for operators and urban planners in developing refined management strategies.

Abstract: Rapid economic growth does not necessarily translate into better perceived urban health. Using the 2024 nationwide Urban Physical Examination (UPE) resident survey in China, this study assesses how city economic level relates to perceived urban health, proxied by city-level overall satisfaction. The survey was conducted in April–June 2024 in the main urban districts of 47 cities, yielding 692,800 responses and 499,500 valid questionnaires. We aggregate satisfaction to the city level, match it with GDP and key city characteristics, and estimate the GDP–satisfaction association using restricted cubic splines (RCS) to test for potential non-linearity. Across unadjusted and covariate-adjusted models (accounting for population scale and density, industrial structure, fiscal capacity, and regional effects), results show a robust positive association between economic level and satisfaction, while nested-model tests provide no evidence that spline terms improve fit over a linear specification within the observed GDP range. Substantial dispersion around the fitted curve indicates that GDP is an enabling capacity rather than a sufficient condition, pointing to cross-city differences in how effectively resources are converted into lived urban quality. We propose using GDP-adjusted satisfaction benchmarking within the UPE cycle to identify underperforming cities and prioritize targeted governance and renewal actions.