Monitoring and Characterizing Urban Sprawl in Raipur Urban Agglomeration, India from 2005 to 2015 using Geospatial Techniques

Abstract

Abstract Urban sprawl is a significant challenge to sustainable urban development, particularly in developing nations. Based on remote sensing and geographic information system, this paper attempts to investigate land cover changes and urban sprawl characteristics of Raipur Urban Agglomeration (UA), India from 2005 and 2015. Landsat satellite images were extracted to conduct land cover change detection. Maximum Likelihood Classification tool in ArcGIS 10.3 was used to prepare land cover maps of Raipur UA. The accuracy of the land cover maps was assessed by determining overall accuracy and kappa coefficient. Transition matrix was prepared to identify the pattern of land cover conversion to built-up in Raipur UA. Major built-up growth direction was identified through the cardinal direction approach. Shannon’s entropy index and landscape metrics detect and characterize urban sprawl, respectively. The results indicated the prevalence of rapid urban sprawl with characteristics such as a reduction in agriculture and fallow land, outward expansion, monocentric development, and haphazard urban growth. The effect of urban development policies which has aggravated urban sprawl in Raipur UA has been discussed. The obtained results will be helpful to promote urban sustenance in the Raipur urban agglomeration.