The ongoing economic development trajectory has precipitated an environmental crisis by endorsing an unsustainable paradigm of urban ecological development, thereby engendering a concerning disjunction between Urban Development and the preservation of natural resources. This study undertakes a meticulous examination, characterized by systematic review and bibliometric analysis, to unearth critical perspectives, recognize primary contributors, and provide a repository of high-caliber information to researchers. This investigation systematically identifies scholarly works aligned with Ecological Footprint and Urban Development themes through a comprehensive exploration of esteemed academic databases, including Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. Subsequently, the amassed data undergoes scrupulous analysis employing advanced methodologies, encompassing graph theory and specialized tools such as bibliometrix, Sci2 Tool, and Gephi. The findings are judiciously categorized into three distinct typologies: 'classic,' 'structural,' and 'recent,' thereby illuminating three perspectives: sustainable urban development, sustainability indicators, and water policy and the clean economy. Notably, it is paramount to underscore the substantive influence of Chinese research in this domain, with Zhang Yan emerging as the principal author. Furthermore, this research underscores contemporary trends in the field, most notably the burgeoning interdisciplinary approaches aimed at comprehensively assessing the environmental ramifications associated with urban development. Future research endeavors are poised to fortify predictive models, thereby facilitating a profound comprehension of diverse urbanization scenarios, focusing on green infrastructure. Additionally, scholars are expected to increasingly align their work with global policies, exemplified by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).