Integrating urban air mobility, unmanned aerial systems, and eVTOL in the low-altitude economy: Bibliometric analysis of research hotspots and development trends

The low-altitude economy (LAE) has rapidly developed in recent years, driven by technological innovation, policy support, and market demand, offering a transformative solution to urban traffic congestion and promoting environmental and energy-saving benefits. However, in the context of LAE, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of key topics such as urban air mobility (UAM), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technologies remains incomplete and lacks systematic exploration. To bridge the gap, this study analyzes 1472 relevant publications from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database, spanning 2008–2023. Using ArcGIS, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software, a bibliometric and visual analysis is conducted to identify emerging research trends, challenges, and future directions. A total of four valuable conclusions were drawn by analyzing these data. (1) These findings indicate a sustained increase in publications from 2020 to 2023, with a notable peak in 2023. The average annual growth rate during this period reached approximately 8.9%, and the momentum is expected to remain robust over the next two years. (2) Research hotspots in the LAE have gained significant attention, particularly in aerial vehicle systems (AVS) safety management, sustainable agriculture, photogrammetry, ecological monitoring, as well as technological advancements and system optimization. (3) Current research highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, AI-driven advancements, and urban-centric solutions, emphasizing that the integration of technological innovation with a clear understanding of public attitudes is essential for effective implementation. (4) Future research is anticipated to concentrate on optimizing low-altitude network construction, advancing vehicle manufacturing, and enhancing flight safeguards to ensure safety and operational efficiency. It will provide valuable insights for researchers and policymakers in shaping the sustainable development of the LAE.