TRENDS IN URBAN MORPHOLOGICAL DATA CAPTURE: A REVIEW OF THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON UTILITY OF GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to review the trends in the application of geospatial technology in urban morphology data capture and studies. Methodology and Results: This review was guided by critical thinking research approach, which involves analysis of relevant literature on a phenomenon to enable to draw conclusion(s) on whether a claim is true, sometimes true, partly true or false and using methods to applied in critical thinking include broad intellectual criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, significance and fairness. The results show that increasing urbanization and sub-optimal locations of urban amenities and utilities has resulted in many cities facing environmental, land use and socio-economic challenges. This can be mitigated by the implementation of cost-effective urban development plans and policies together with an in-depth understanding of the interactions existing between urban natural and human systems, an undertaking reliably aided by geospatial technologies notably Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems, Global Positioning System and Photogrammetry. Conclusion, significance, and impact study: This paper is therefore anchored on an understanding of urban morphology, factors determining its changes over time and demonstrated achievements of the utility of geospatial technology in the study of the same with policy implications for the applications of the geospatial technology in urban studies.