How Extended Reality Is Shaping Smart Cities: A Systematic Literature Review

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Authors: Marina Ricci, Nicola Mosca, Moh Rafik, M. Di Summa
Cited by: 2
References: 99

Abstract

XR technologies enhance the sustainable development of urban areas by merging digital and physical worlds. In smart city contexts, XR has been applied in miscellaneous ways, from supporting urban planning and design through immersive visualization, to improving traffic and navigation services via real-time overlays, and to enhancing public safety and emergency response through simulation and situational support. However, the literature does not clearly categorize XR application domains in smart cities, interaction methods, and types of sensory feedback. This study presents an SLR reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We included 92 studies published between 2009 and 2024, proposing a classification of application domains, interaction modalities, and sensory feedback. We searched Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore using predefined search terms and eligibility criteria. This review offers a comprehensive overview of nearly 20 years of XR research in smart cities, highlighting established practices and guiding future application development and research directions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Smart Cities and Technologies Augmented Reality Applications Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts

Publication details

Journal / source
Applied Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
679–679
Publication date
8 January 2026
Language
EN