Characterizing growth types and analyzing growth density distribution in response to urban growth patterns in peri-urban areas of Lianyungang City

Peri-urban areas are sites currently experiencing the most active urbanization. In order to quantify the complexity in urban growth patterns and processes, based on the common boundary and Landscape Expansion Index (LEI) analysis, we developed six spatial rules to identify three urban growth types of infilling, edge-expansion and outlying in 2000-2008. In addition, growth density (GD) with buffer zone analysis was applied to ascertain urban movement from the city center. Results indicated the prominent urban growth type was edge-expansion, with continued urbanization most prominently in the peri-urban areas. The infilling growth increment proportion in the second study period (2004-2008) suggested the study area was experiencing an increased coalescence pattern and declined diffusion pattern. However, the highest infilling GD zones that occurred primarily near the city center did not vary significantly in 2000-2008. The intensive urban growth zones in the first study period (2000-2004) followed by later efficient infill growth also suggested urban growth was more compact in the second study period. Furthermore, two land use change maps showed that substantial arable land was lost by urban growth in 2000-2008, and the establishment of industrial parks encroached on large salt marsh in the second study period. Further research is required to delineate a suitable development management plan to sustain a baseline for urban growth. Furthermore, the integration of a zoning approach associated with the green belt is suggested to play a key role in a transition to continued urbanization. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.