Social Media Analytics and Spatial Analysis in High-Density Macau Children's Play Facilities Planning

¹ School of Urban Construction and Resource Exploration, Guangzhou Huali College, No. 11 Huali Road, Guangzhou Huali Science and Technology Park, Zengcheng District, Guangzhou 511325, China
² Institute of Urban and Sustainable Development, City University of Macau, Royal Centre, 3/F, Room R316, Avenida Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues, Macau, China
³ Guangzhou Zhiyuan Electronics Co., Ltd., 3rd Floor, Room 306, No. 43 Sicheng Road, Tianhe Software Park, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510663, China
⁴ Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shandong Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 4657 East End of Luyou Road, Jinan 250103, Shandong Province, China

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ultra-high population density, exemplifies challenges high-density cities face in providing adequate children's playgrounds. Current facilities fail to meet actual needs of residents and tourists in quality and spatial distribution. This study integrates social media analysis with GIS spatial analysis, examining 5,167 Weibo posts (2020–2025) and 46 playground locations through three steps: (1) mining social media to identify user needs, (2) diagnosing spatial gaps through accessibility analysis, and (3) integrating supply-demand data to determine priorities. Results show users prioritize facility quality (water play, safety, age-appropriate design) over quantity. Severe spatial inequities exist (accessibility scores: 0.2/10 to 10.0/10). Quality deficits drive user dissatisfaction more than quantity shortages. Priority interventions include developing new playgrounds in Coloane Island, Peninsula South, and Cotai Strip, plus systematic quality upgrades of existing facilities focusing on water play features and age-appropriate zoning. This study demonstrates a transferable, data-driven, citizen-centric planning approach for high-density cities.