Researchers use AI to turn park reviews into science

A five-star review of the park may weigh more than you think. Scientists have turned it into data thanks to artificial intelligence.

Researchers from the Fort Lauderdale-based University of Florida used machine learning to analyze over 30,000 Google Maps and TripAdvisor reviews of parks, gardens and greenways across Broward County. Their analysis identified 11 types of “cultural ecosystem services” or the immaterial benefits nature offers, including beauty, recreation, relaxation and inspiration. By using this type of AI, they identified which parks offer the richest combination of these services.

Their findings published in the journal Ecosystem Servicesshowing that parks with more trees, more space, diverse plants, wildlife and water features tend to bring the most value.

AI also revealed that cultural interests often overlap. For example, a popular trail for jogging may offer birdwatching, family time, and quiet reflexes.

“Applying AI to countless online reviews will help you understand how to measure these cultural values ​​and optimize park design and planning for public well-being,” said Haojie Cao, lead author and doctoral student at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, or FLREC.

The authors of this study suggest that this AI-driven approach can be used everywhere, turning what people are already saying online into practical insights to build healthier and happier communities.

This is a fusion of cutting edge technology and homeland values, and the same kind of algorithms that drive healthcare and business innovation helps decipher how people experience and cherish nature in one of Florida's most urban counties.

For Broward, with nearly two million residents sharing limited open spaces, researchers found that certain parks offer the greatest boost to happiness. Functions such as shade, trees, walks and access to water have become apparently particularly important in shaping people's experiences.

“AI-enabled social media data can provide a valuable tool for urban residents to benefit most from parks, track progress towards management, and understand management and planning efforts to optimize green spaces that benefit both people and nature.”

“In some respects, the observations are correct from the source, so the results can be considered citizen science data.”

Among other research takeouts, findings revealed that aesthetics, entertainment, and physique and experiential products are the most reported cultural ecosystem services offered by urban green spaces. The authors suggest that these bundled benefits are opportunities to design and manage parks in ways that improve the user's experience, and to add value to the park for the public.

Ultimately, the study provides an adaptable roadmap that works with AI and big data to study, map and understand the intangible cultural values ​​of urban nature, Qiu said.

“These cultural ecosystem services are one of the most valuable benefits that urban parks and green spaces offer to residents,” he said. “As cities grow in size and population, planning and management of sustainable green spaces will allow us to understand where and how AI and big data will inform and empower them to improve cultural values ​​and social well-being and allocate efforts and resources to track progress towards these urban policy and intervention goals.”