Empirical Analysis of Urban Redevelopment in Toronto using Satellite Imagery, 2015 – 2023

This project explores how and why building heights have changed across Toronto between 2015 and 2023. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and building footprints, the intern identifies where redevelopment happened – that is, shorter buildings rebuilt and replaced by the taller ones. The project also looks at factors that may explain these changes—such as geographic locations, housing price risk and rent gaps —by applying urban theories and statistical models. The goal is to better understand the patterns and drivers of urban redevelopment in Toronto.

This research will support Resimate by contributing insights into locating where future building growth is likely to happen and why. These findings can help improve Resimate’s products and expand their tools to work with more cities in the future.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jinfei Wang

Student:

Partner:

Resimate

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Real estate and rental and leasing

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: