Assessment of regional environmental quality using cluster analysis

Abstract

The increasing urbanization trend across the world has contributed positively to economic development on the one hand but resulted in several irreversible man made damages to the environment as well. Hence, environmental quality (EQ) assessment gains significance in urban and regional planning research. It is imperative to group the settlements into sub-regional levels for a better planning process. Hence, there is a need for a framework to assess the EQ to integrate it into the planning framework. The current research proposes a 3-tier assessment methodology for various spatial dimensions at the macro, meso, and micro scales to fulfil this need. The analysis is structured into three sections in accordance with this. The first part focuses on identifying the correct variables that can capture the region's EQ through a scientific screening process. The second part of the research focuses on identifying a methodological framework to group the settlements based on homogeneity of environmental quality using Cluster analysis. For this, a multivariate analytical method called cluster analysis is employed. The third part of the research discusses the output of 5-cluster solutions appropriately named based on their underlying characteristics. The outcome of the cluster analysis reveals the problems and prospects associated with each of the five clusters and the focus areas for policy directions. The result of the study will be helpful for urban and regional planners to formulate appropriate spatial planning recommendations to integrate the region's environmental quality into the planning framework.