How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience

Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.

2 minute read

January 13, 2025, 7:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


Large trees on either side of wide suburban street.

Rawf8 / Adobe Stock

Tree-D Fusion, a groundbreaking system developed by researchers including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)'s Sara Beery and Purdue University's Jae Joong Lee, uses AI to create 3D models of urban trees from 2D images, such as those from Google Street View. This tool leverages species- and environment-specific data to simulate realistic tree growth and predict how urban forests will evolve over time. Beyond visualizing the future of green spaces, the system offers cities a "living digital forest" to monitor environmental stresses and assess tree health, helping urban planners proactively manage tree growth and avoid issues like interference with power lines.

The technology also addresses broader urban challenges, such as combating the heat island effect and improving city livability amid climate change. By mapping intricate shade patterns and envisioning future green spaces, Tree-D Fusion enables planners to strategically cultivate urban forests that can cool cities and mitigate heat buildup. These efforts align with studies showing that access to green spaces significantly impacts public health, life expectancy, and social equity, emphasizing the importance of incorporating urban forestry into city planning.

Looking to the future, the creators of Tree-D Fusion aim to scale the platform globally, using AI insights to promote biodiversity, sustainability, and ecosystem health. Alongside complementary research, such as studies on the number of trees needed to cool cities like Los Angeles, the system exemplifies how technology can merge with ecological science to create greener, more resilient urban environments that benefit both people and the planet.

Sunday, January 5, 2025 in Wood Central

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Two white and red Stadler electric Caltrain trains next to each other on a sunny day.

Which US Rail Agencies Are Buying Zero-Emissions Trains?

U.S. rail agencies are slowly making the shift to zero-emissions trains, which can travel longer distances without refueling and reduce air pollution.

March 30 - Smart Cities Dive

Front of San Diego High School with students milling around.

San Diego School District Approves Affordable Housing Plan

The district plans to build workforce housing for 10 percent of its employees in the next decade and explore other ways to contribute to housing development.

March 30 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Red crane in foreground with New York City skyline in background.

Lawsuit Aims to Stop NYC’s ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Reforms

A lawsuit brought by local lawmakers and community groups claims the plan failed to conduct a comprehensive environmental review.

March 30 - New York Post