Using GIS and moving window method in the urban land use spatial pattern analyzing

Abstract

Urbanization is a major trend in recent years all around the word. Changes of land use due to urbanization is the main cause of urban natural recourses loss or fragmentation and consequently brings the worsening conditions of urban environment, as well as increase urban ecological problems. In this paper, the land use, especially the built-up land spatial pattern and changes, were monitored and quantified in the study periods 1989-2004 with GIS and moving window method. The application of moving window method could examine the land use change process and link pattern and process easily in the local area. The study shows a rapid increase in built-up land but mostly at the expense of green spaces and agriculture land. The changes of urban built-up land were not distributed evenly. In a general, the urban development of Jinan City is an irregular monocentric pattern. The orientation of urban development policy and the special topography were considered the major reasons. Besides, the attraction of green space amenity is also an important factor that can not be neglected. The results will be contributed to guide the urban land use planning and management, especially the urban natural resources conservation.