Analysis on spatial structure of landuse change based on remote sensing and geographical information system

Analyzing spatio-temporal characteristics of landuse cover change is essential for understanding the pattern of urbanization. More importantly, such analysis can provide much information for decision-making. Landuse changed rapidly in Guangzhou in the last several years, so that it is necessary to study the spatial structure of landuse change. DOM (Digital Orthophoto Map) of Guangzhou in 2003, 2005 are acquired for this study. Accurate landuse information was first extracted by Definiens Developer. Secondly, we applied the landuse transfer model to analyze the mutual conversions among different landuse classes. Thirdly, a landuse spatial position conversion and quantity change model was established to analyze the position conversion of landuse classes from a quantitative perspective. Finally, Landuse dynamicity model is applied to study Guangzhou's landuse change level and the reasons of the change are analyzed. The results showed that farmland diminished relatively fast and adjustable landuse areas increased substantially. The main reason for farmland reduction lies in that part of the original farmland has been turned into other cultivated lands. The absolute quantity of landuse change is enormous, dominated by the internal conversion among landuse categories, such as farmland converted into garden and other types of cultivated lands. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.