A novel dynamic quantification model for diurnal urban land use intensity

Most urban land use studies lack dynamic analyses and precise temporal resolutions of land use. To address this issue, our study introduces a dynamic model that incorporates eight indicators of urban land function, capturing intensity shifts every 15 min. We establish a method for computing these indicators using urban data. Our model has notably enhanced temporal resolution, provides detailed urban land service depictions, and integrates real-world attributes, such as building size and type. This allows for harmonious comparisons between human activity data and static functional urban areas. This novel method for the validation and comparison of results addresses the lack of precise evaluations in dynamic human activity studies. Our extensive land use analysis reveals the following significant findings: 1) Certain regions near Beijing's Third Ring Road show variable potential for nighttime economic development. 2) Daytime use reveals high morning peak social service concentrations, whereas evening peaks manifest dispersed—albeit intense—residential use. 3) Mixed land use does not guarantee consistent daily activities; however, proximity to multiple train stations intensifies diverse activities, leading to heightened mixed land use. Overall, our model provides a robust dataset for urban management and facilitates precise evaluations of greenhouse-gas emissions and urban vitality, among other research topics.