A Universal Digital Addressing and Spatial Intelligence Framework for Smart and Resilient Urban Systems

Abstract

Addressing and geolocation systems underpin urban functionality, yet existing frameworks remain constrained by inconsistency, limited precision, and incomplete spatial coverage, particularly across informal settlements, rural regions, and rapidly expanding cities. These deficiencies reduce logistics efficiency, delay emergency response, increase operational costs, and contribute to avoidable greenhouse gas emissions. This study develops and evaluates a unified Digital Address Number (DAN) framework designed to provide precise, scalable, and inclusive building-level identification within a broader spatial intelligence architecture. The framework adopts a hybrid multi-layer system comprising client interfaces, a centralized spatial database, and external geospatial integrations. Each location is assigned a deterministic 12-digit numeric identifier derived from standardized geographic coordinates using geohash-based spatial discretization and cryptographic hashing, ensuring uniqueness, non-reversibility, and scalability. A multi-layer validation mechanism integrating database constraints and proximity-based spatial analysis is implemented to prevent duplication and maintain spatial integrity. The system further incorporates offline identifier generation, deferred synchronization, real-time tracking, and a dual-channel SOS communication framework with intelligent spatial clustering for emergency escalation. Methodologically, the study combines geospatial system design, spatial encoding logic, validation frameworks, and applied operational demonstrations to evaluate system functionality across diverse deployment scenarios. Empirical demonstrations within the University of Jos campus environment and additional application scenarios indicate that DAN achieves sub-meter building-level precision under standard conditions while providing a compact, human- and machine-readable identifier that eliminates the ambiguity associated with descriptive addressing. The framework further demonstrates potential to improve delivery efficiency, strengthen emergency coordination, expand spatial inclusion, and support smart-city interoperability across underserved environments. The study positions DAN as a foundational digital infrastructure capable of supporting logistics optimization, public safety operations, resilient urban governance, and next-generation spatially integrated smart-city systems..