Evolution and Prospects of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications in Urban Crime Analysis: A Review of Literature

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) empower data-driven urban crime analysis, fostering sustainable and inclusive cities. This systematic review synthesizes 293 studies from 2000 to 2023, examining GIS applications in spatial analysis, crime prevention, socioeconomic influences, and technology integration, aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key trends include AI-driven predictive policing, real-time monitoring via IoT and Remote Sensing, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to deter crime through urban planning. Machine learning enhances hotspot mapping precision, integrating diverse data like social media and demographics, yet challenges persist in data quality, ethical AI use, and hyperlocal analysis. Amid evolving crime dynamics driven by inequality and urbanization, GIS supports evidence-based policies to reduce violence and exclusion. Community engagement ensures ethical technology deployment, prioritizing equity. This review highlights GIS’s transformative potential in addressing research gaps and advancing safer urban futures, offering a comprehensive reference for researchers and policymakers.