ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Iterative Cellular Automation Approach
to Analyze Spatial Dynamics of Urbanization
and Population Growth
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1
College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
2
Urban Sector Planning and Management Services Unit (Pvt.) Limited, Pakistan
Submission date: 2020-08-21
Final revision date: 2020-12-21
Acceptance date: 2020-12-21
Online publication date: 2021-08-31
Publication date: 2021-09-22
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2021;30(5):4621-4632
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ABSTRACT
Population measurement and its spatial distribution are required to understand the urban pattern
of any city. We have used a methodology for measuring urban spatial morphology, infill, outlying
expansion, and compactness over a decade. The aims of this research are related to data-driven
categorization often large cities of Punjab and its correlation with urban attributes by identifying
relative disparities in expansion and vertical growths; instead of city portfolios exerted and/or perceived
by various groups of relevant urban stakeholders. Urban extents and sprawls were identified by using
Geospatial data and techniques by applying supervised parameter optimization. The analytical tool
was employed to highlight and better understand the relative (hierarchical) position of selected cities of
Punjab, Pakistan. The results depict that the total urban area of selected cities has increased in ten years
(2008-2018) from 914 km2 to 1649 km2. The cities’ saturation level helped to identify highly densified
and the cities where the potential of infill is available. This study provides an effective and efficient way
to monitor and evaluate the morphology of the cities and addresses the issues of mismanaged urban
sprawl and decreasing densities.