Spatiotemporal Analysis of Urban Growth, Sprawl and Structure

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates the use of remote sensing and spatially referenced population data to estimate and model urban sprawl, growth and urban structures. Using spatial analytical tools within a GIS, the typology of urban growth and Dhaka’s spatial structure from 2000 to 2011was quantified. The results revealed a 33 % expansion of urban areas during the study period. Analysis of urban growth types showed that the extension growth type being the dominant followed by leapfrogging development. The amount of low-density development is increasing with time, indicating sprawling development. Investigation of changes in the population per unit area of built-up surface indicated that overcrowding and lack of space in the urban core are compelling people to settle in peripheral areas, thereby exerting tremendous pressure on a limited resource base.