The analysis of the role of urban artificial intelligence in managing pandemics (particularly COVID-19) is considered an emerging field within smart urban planning. This study aims to elucidate the level of maturity and the capacity for deploying urban AI technologies in Iran and was conducted in two phases. First, a systematic review of 336 articles indexed in the ScienceDirect database (2020–2025) was carried out using the PRISMA approach, complemented by bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer software. Second, a case-based analysis of measures implemented in Tehran was conducted using qualitative analysis across three dimensions: “prediction,” “diagnosis and treatment,” and “control of transmission,” drawing on research data, official documents, and empirical evidence. The results indicate that while Iran possesses a relatively high level of data infrastructure, the utilization of machine learning models and intelligent algorithms remains at a moderate level, and the existing technological capacity has not yet evolved into “cognitive data-driven governance.” The examination of Tehran’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that the most significant applications of artificial intelligence were in data-driven diagnostics and transmission control through digital surveillance tools and online education, whereas real-time predictive capabilities remain limited. These findings reveal a gap between technological infrastructure and its practical utilization and can serve as a foundation for developing predictive systems and urban health digital twin models
ziaabadi,M , yousefzadeh,J and Salaripour,A . (2026). Urban Intelligence Applications in Predicting and Controlling Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Tehran’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic. (e21261). Quarterly Journals of Urban and Regional Development Planning, (), e21261 doi: 10.22054/urdp.2026.85304.1700
MLA
ziaabadi,M , , yousefzadeh,J , and Salaripour,A . "Urban Intelligence Applications in Predicting and Controlling Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Tehran’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic" .e21261 , Quarterly Journals of Urban and Regional Development Planning, , , 2026, e21261. doi: 10.22054/urdp.2026.85304.1700
HARVARD
ziaabadi M, yousefzadeh J, Salaripour A. (2026). 'Urban Intelligence Applications in Predicting and Controlling Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Tehran’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic', Quarterly Journals of Urban and Regional Development Planning, (), e21261. doi: 10.22054/urdp.2026.85304.1700
CHICAGO
M ziaabadi, J yousefzadeh and A Salaripour, "Urban Intelligence Applications in Predicting and Controlling Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Tehran’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Quarterly Journals of Urban and Regional Development Planning, (2026): e21261, doi: 10.22054/urdp.2026.85304.1700
VANCOUVER
ziaabadi M, yousefzadeh J, Salaripour A. Urban Intelligence Applications in Predicting and Controlling Pandemics: A Systematic Review of Tehran’s Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Quarterly Journals of Urban and Regional Development Planning. 2026;():e21261 (In Persian). doi: 10.22054/urdp.2026.85304.1700
