Modeling Polycentric Urbanization Using Multisource Big Geospatial Data

Zhiwei Xie,Xinyue Ye,Dong Li,Ruren Li,Lishuang Sun,Zihao Zheng,Samuel Benya

doi:10.3390/rs11030310

Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of polycentric urbanization is important for urban studies and management. This paper proposes an analytical model that uses multisource big geospatial data to characterize such dynamics to facilitate policy making. There are four main steps: 1) main centers and subcenters are identified using spatial cluster analysis and geographically weighted regression (GWR) based on Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS)/NPP and social media check-in data; 2) the built-up areas are extracted by using Defense Meteorological Satellite Program – Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) gradient images; 3) the economic corridors that connect the main center and subcenters are constructed using road network data from Open Street Map (OSM) with the least-cost distance method; and 4) the major urban development direction is identified by analyzing the changes in built-up areas within the economic corridors. The model is applied to three major cities in northeastern, central, and northwestern China (Shenyang, Wuhan, and Xi'an) from 1992 to 2012.

Highlights

Urbanization is a complex phenomenon that is accompanied by profound land-cover/land-use changes and social dynamics [1,2]
Polycentric urbanization is a process of interaction between a main center and subcenters by which the built-up areas of the main center and subcenters expand, thereby gradually approaching one another [5]
Polycentric urbanization in the developed countries and regions is mainly manifested in the generation of polycentric employment subcenters, while the developing world typically witnesses the expansion of built-up areas [7]

Summary

Introduction

Urbanization is a complex phenomenon that is accompanied by profound land-cover/land-use changes and social dynamics [1,2]. A main urban center has the highest population density in its region, and features a central business district [3]. Subcenters, which have higher population densities than adjacent regions, are typically distributed around the main center [4]. Economic corridors within polycentric cities typically feature high-density road networks that connect main centers and subcenters [6]. Polycentric urbanization in the developed countries and regions is mainly manifested in the generation of polycentric employment subcenters, while the developing world typically witnesses the expansion of built-up areas [7]. China has both features [8]. The evolution of the relationship between main centers and subcenters can be analyzed for enhanced urban management [9]

Methods

Results

Conclusion