On June 3, 2025, Chengdu Shunyitong Information Technology Co., Ltd. announced a major milestone in geospatial data science with the public release of Hi-Pervious, a 10-meter resolution global permeable surface dataset. This innovative dataset represents a significant leap forward in the ability to monitor, analyze, and understand permeable surfaces across the entire planet with unprecedented detail and accuracy. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among urban planners, environmental scientists, and policymakers who rely on precise land cover data for evidence-based decision-making. Hi-Pervious was specifically designed to support urban permeable surface assessment and contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for all residents. The development of this dataset underscores the growing importance of high-resolution environmental monitoring in an era defined by rapid urbanization, climate change, and increasing pressure on natural resources. By providing open and freely accessible data, Chengdu Shunyitong is empowering researchers and institutions worldwide to conduct more precise and impactful studies on urban environments and their transformation over time.

The scientific foundation of Hi-Pervious was detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published in the prestigious journal *Science Bulletin* (《科学通报》), providing rigorous academic validation for the dataset's methodology and findings. This publication ensures that the research behind Hi-Pervious has undergone thorough scientific scrutiny from independent experts, giving users full confidence in the data quality and reliability for their own applications. The research team behind this achievement has demonstrated exceptional expertise in remote sensing, signal processing, and geospatial analysis, successfully combining cutting-edge technology with pressing practical needs in urban management and environmental protection. The journal article also highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of this work, effectively bridging the gap between advanced academic research and actionable environmental data that can be used by city governments and international organizations. For businesses and government agencies focused on urban sustainability, this dataset offers a completely new level of spatial and temporal detail that was previously unavailable at a global scale from any existing source. The open-access distribution model, combined with the strong scientific validation, positions Hi-Pervious as a critical resource for sustainable urban development initiatives across both developed and developing nations.

The creation of the Hi-Pervious dataset represents years of dedicated research and development, culminating in a product that addresses long-standing gaps in global land cover mapping. Prior to this release, high-resolution permeable surface data at a global scale was either unavailable, inconsistent across regions, or based on coarse-resolution imagery that failed to capture the fine-grained patterns critical for urban analysis. Hi-Pervious changes this paradigm by delivering 10-meter resolution data that can distinguish permeable surfaces such as parks, gardens, agricultural fields, and natural vegetation with remarkable clarity and consistency worldwide. The dataset covers the entire global land surface, providing a uniform and standardized product that eliminates the inconsistencies often found when combining data from different sources or national mapping agencies. This achievement is particularly significant for urban sustainability research, because accurate permeable surface data is essential for modeling stormwater runoff, assessing urban heat island effects, planning green infrastructure, and evaluating ecosystem services in cities. The team at Chengdu Shunyitong has demonstrated that it is possible to produce routine global land cover products that meet the demanding accuracy requirements of both scientific research and practical urban planning applications.

The scientific validation published in *Science Bulletin* provides detailed evidence of the dataset's accuracy and reliability, with producer accuracy reaching 0.88 and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of just 0.15. These figures represent a substantial improvement over existing global land cover products, particularly in complex urban and peri-urban landscapes where mixed pixels and spectral confusion have historically caused significant classification errors. The validation process involved comparing Hi-Pervious against a large collection of independent reference data points distributed across diverse geographic regions and land cover types. This rigorous approach ensures that users can trust the data for applications ranging from scientific research to policy evaluation and infrastructure planning. The paper also documents the strengths and limitations of the dataset in different environmental contexts, giving users clear guidance on where the data performs best and how to interpret results appropriately. By subjecting Hi-Pervious to this level of scientific scrutiny, the team has set a new standard for transparency and accountability in global geospatial data products.

The technical methodology developed for Hi-Pervious relied on a sophisticated automated processing pipeline built entirely on the Google Earth Engine platform, enabling efficient handling of enormous volumes of satellite imagery from multiple sensors. This cloud-based approach allowed the research team to process petabyte-scale remote sensing data with remarkable speed, consistency, and reproducibility, overcoming the traditional computational bottlenecks that have historically limited global mapping projects. One of the key technical innovations was the application of Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) technology, a powerful algorithm originally developed for time-series analysis that proved highly effective for land cover classification in this context. DTW was particularly successful in resolving the persistent challenge of mixed pixels in low-density permeable surface areas, where conventional classification methods often struggle to distinguish between different surface types within a single pixel footprint. The algorithm also effectively mitigated the problem of spectral confusion among materials with similar reflectance properties, such as bare soil and certain types of impervious surfaces, significantly improving classification accuracy across diverse landscapes and climatic zones. The integration of DTW with Google Earth Engine's massive computational resources created a workflow that is both scientifically advanced and operationally practical for routine global monitoring applications.

The technical workflow developed for Hi-Pervious represents a significant advancement in the field of remote sensing and automated land cover mapping at a global scale. By integrating multiple satellite data sources, including optical and radar imagery, and applying advanced signal processing techniques, the methodology overcomes many of the limitations that have historically affected the accuracy and consistency of global land cover datasets. The use of Google Earth Engine not only accelerated the processing timeline from years to months but also ensured full reproducibility and easy scalability for future updates and temporal expansions of the dataset. The research team's innovative approach to handling spectral variability across different geographical regions and seasonal conditions sets a new benchmark for global mapping projects aiming for both high accuracy and operational efficiency. This technical rigor is a direct reflection of the capabilities embedded within the company'sR&D division, which consistently pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in geospatial data science and algorithm development. The methodology also incorporates robust quality control checks at every stage of the processing pipeline, from raw data ingestion through pre-processing, classification, and final product generation, ensuring that users receive data that is both consistent and reliable across time and space.

The Hi-Pervious dataset provides a comprehensive temporal analysis of global permeable surface changes between 2015 and 2021, revealing significant and often surprising trends in urban development, land cover transformation, and environmental management worldwide. According to the data, total global permeable surface area increased from approximately 12,500 square kilometers in 2015 to around 13,200 square kilometers in 2021, representing a net growth of about 700 square kilometers over the six-year study period. This expansion was not uniform across the globe, with certain regions experiencing particularly rapid changes that reflect local policy decisions, economic development patterns, and infrastructure investment priorities. Among the most notable areas of expansion were Beijing in China, the Sichuan region, and Chongqing municipality, where rapid urbanization combined with ambitious ecological restoration programs have dramatically altered the landscape and increased permeable surface coverage. Outside of China, significant permeable surface growth was observed in northern Kuwait, driven by agricultural expansion and large-scale land reclamation initiatives, as well as along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, where refugee settlement and associated infrastructure development have fundamentally reshaped the terrain and land cover patterns. These findings provide valuable, data-driven insights into the complex relationship between human activities and permeable surface dynamics, offering a rigorous foundation for environmental monitoring and evidence-based policy evaluation at local, national, and global scales.

The driving factors behind these observed permeable surface changes are multifaceted and interconnected, reflecting complex interactions between policy frameworks, economic development trajectories, and environmental management practices in different parts of the world. In China, government-led initiatives such as the national "Sponge City" program and large-scale ecological restoration projects have actively promoted the creation, restoration, and preservation of permeable surfaces to manage urban flooding, recharge groundwater, and improve overall water resource management in rapidly growing cities. Infrastructure development, including the construction of transportation networks, residential areas, and industrial zones, has also contributed significantly to permeable surface changes, with both positive and negative impacts depending on the specific context, design standards, and implementation practices adopted in each project. The high-resolution temporal data from Hi-Pervious now allows researchers, urban planners, and policymakers to quantify these changes with unprecedented precision and spatial detail, enabling much more accurate assessments of policy effectiveness and environmental outcomes over time. For urban planners and government agencies, this information is crucial for understanding how different development strategies and regulatory approaches affect land use planning outcomes and the long-term environmental sustainability of urban growth patterns. The dataset's advanced ability to distinguish between different functional types of permeable surfaces also provides deeper insights into the quality, connectivity, and ecological performance of urban green spaces, agricultural lands, and natural ecosystems within and surrounding cities.

Looking ahead, the research team behind Hi-Pervious has ambitious plans to extend the dataset's application to multi-period urban growth assessment and predictive modeling, significantly enhancing its long-term utility for both scientific research and practical decision-making. One of the primary future objectives is to support research related to SDG Indicator 11.3.1, which measures the ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate and serves as a key metric for evaluating urban sustainability across countries and cities worldwide. By providing high-resolution, temporally consistent, and freely available data on permeable surfaces, Hi-Pervious can help cities, national governments, and international organizations track their progress toward this important development goal with much greater accuracy and spatial detail than previously possible. The dataset is also expected to play a critical role in urban development strategy formulation at multiple scales, offering evidence-based insights that can guide infrastructure investments, zoning regulations, green space planning, and environmental protection efforts in both rapidly growing and established urban areas. Additionally, the team plans to explore and develop applications in disaster impact assessment and climate adaptation, where precise permeable surface data can inform sophisticated models of flood risk, landslide susceptibility, urban heat exposure, and ecosystem resilience under different climate change scenarios. These future developments will further solidify Hi-Pervious as an indispensable tool for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promoting resilient, equitable, and environmentally sound urban growth patterns worldwide.

The planned expansion of Hi-Pervious into predictive modeling and scenario analysis represents a natural and highly valuable evolution of the project, leveraging the rich historical data already collected to forecast future permeable surface changes under different policy, demographic, and climate scenarios. Such forward-looking modeling capabilities would be invaluable for urban planners, environmental managers, and infrastructure investors seeking to anticipate the potential impacts of climate change, population growth, economic development, and policy interventions on future land cover dynamics and urban form. The integration of Hi-Pervious with other complementary geospatial datasets, such as detailed demographic data, economic indicators, transportation networks, and high-resolution climate projections, would enable much more holistic and interdisciplinary analyses of urban-environment interactions and their feedback loops. For the global research community, these ongoing developments open up exciting new avenues for studying the complex, multi-directional relationships between urbanization, environmental change, ecosystem services, and human well-being in diverse geographic and cultural contexts. The company's demonstrated commitment to advancing urban sustainability through innovative, open-access data products is clearly evident in the continued, substantial investment in research and development, as more fully showcased on theirABOUT US page. By consistently combining scientific excellence with practical, real-world application, Chengdu Shunyitong is positioning itself at the very forefront of the global movement toward data-driven, evidence-based sustainable development and urban environmental management.

The Hi-Pervious dataset is freely and openly available to the entire global research and policy community through the CAS Earth data platform, ensuring that scientists, urban planners, and policymakers in every country can benefit from this valuable and carefully validated resource. The data can be directly accessed through the designated data link provided on the platform, where users can download the complete global dataset and explore extensive documentation covering the methodology, validation results, usage guidelines, and technical specifications of the product. This open-access distribution approach aligns perfectly with the internationally recognized FAIR data principles, which actively promote the findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability of scientific data for the benefit of society as a whole. Chengdu Shunyitong has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to democratizing access to high-quality geospatial information, recognizing that global environmental challenges require collaborative, cross-border solutions and freely shared knowledge resources to be effectively addressed. The company also provides comprehensive technical support and documentation services to help users effectively integrate, analyze, and apply the data in their specific projects, research contexts, and decision-making processes. In addition to direct data provision, the company offers a complementary range ofPRODUCTS and tailored solutions specifically designed to meet the diverse and evolving needs of clients operating in the geospatial, environmental monitoring, and urban planning sectors worldwide.

Chengdu Shunyitong Information Technology Co., Ltd. brings a comprehensive and integrated suite of capabilities to every project it undertakes, ensuring that initiatives ranging from initial data collection through to final analysis and reporting are executed with the highest possible standards of quality, reliability, and professionalism. The company specializes in providing true end-to-end solution capabilities, from initial problem identification and system design through to full implementation, rigorous validation, and ongoing post-deployment support for clients across multiple sectors. The dedicatedR&Dteam is consistently at the forefront of developing cutting-edge geospatial products and algorithms, continuously innovating to address emerging challenges in environmental monitoring, urban sustainability, natural resource management, and climate change adaptation. Quality control is embedded as a fundamental principle in every single stage of the production process, from raw data acquisition and rigorous pre-processing through to algorithm development, product generation, and final independent validation against reference data. The company also places a very strong emphasis on comprehensive service assurance, providing timely, responsive, and knowledgeable technical support to clients across different industries, time zones, and application domains. Furthermore, Chengdu Shunyitong strictly adheres to all relevant international export compliance standards and regulations, ensuring that every product and service meets global legal requirements and can be efficiently and securely delivered to customers regardless of their geographic location. With a fast and reliable logistics response system firmly in place, the company ensures that any physical products, when required, reach clients promptly and securely, thereby minimizing potential project delays and maintaining operational continuity. For those clients specifically interested in tailored or customized solutions, theCustomized service page provides detailed and comprehensive information on how the company can adapt and configure its extensive offerings to meet unique project specifications and operational requirements.

The successful release of Hi-Pervious marks a significant and highly promising new chapter in the company's ongoing journey, clearly demonstrating its proven ability to deliver world-class geospatial data products that effectively address real-world environmental and societal challenges. As the global community continues to grapple with the profound and accelerating impacts of rapid urbanization, climate change, and biodiversity loss, high-quality datasets like Hi-Pervious will become increasingly essential for informed, evidence-based decision-making and the pursuit of sustainable development at every scale. Chengdu Shunyitong remains steadfastly dedicated to advancing the entire field of geospatial science and providing the innovative tools, data products, and expert services needed to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for communities worldwide. The company warmly invites researchers, policymakers, urban planners, and industry professionals from around the world to explore the Hi-Pervious dataset and actively discover how it can support and enhance their vital work. By consistently combining deep technical innovation with an unwavering commitment to open, accessible science, Chengdu Shunyitong is helping to shape a world where data-driven insights and collaborative knowledge guide us toward more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible urban environments. For more comprehensive information about the company, its full range of capabilities, and its ongoing projects, please visit theHOME page to explore the complete portfolio of products, services, and research initiatives.